Four local Rotary Clubs are holding a Blueberry Blitz fundraiser to support local charities and projects.
Participating clubs are Abbotsford, Abbotsford-Matsqui, Abbotsford Sumas and Fraser Valley Rotaract.
The public can order 10-pound boxes of frozen blueberries for the advance-purchase price of $25 and then bring their voucher to the drive-thru pickup location – Berryhill Foods Inc. (2887 Mt. Lehman Rd.) – on Saturday, Oct. 31 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
If not pre-ordered, the blueberries are $30 a box on site. Seven-pound boxes of raspberries for $25 are available for on-site pickup only. Quantites are limited.
Online orders can be made at FVblueberryblitz.eventbrite.com.
The public is also invited to send their best blueberry recipes and photos to fundraisingabbyrotary@gmail.com for a chance to be featured on Facebook and Instagram and win a free 10-pound box of blueberries.
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Fundraising by the Rotary Clubs has all been impacted by COVID-19. For example, the Abbotsford Rotary Club normally holds its Halloween Bash in October, raising more than $100,000 in support of local programs, such as Starfish Packs. That program delivers food-filled backpacks to students in need every weekend during the school year.
“The economic impact of this pandemic has profoundly affected (local Rotary Clubs’) ability to support desparately needed local programs at the time when the need of local families has more than doubled,” said Milt Walker, president of the Abbotsford Rotary Club.
“At a time when we can’t come together to raise dollars, our neighbours are hurting and in need like never before.”
The clubs also raise money for programs supporting new moms, wheelchair manufacturing in Guatemala, drug recovery and poverty reduction.
As well, the local clubs give out scholarships and bursaries to graduating students to assist with post-secondary students.
The Blueberry Blitz fundraiser will also take place in February, with pickup dates on Feb. 6 and 27. The first blitz took place on Oct. 3.
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