When Alberni Valley Christian Reformed Church was looking for a way to celebrate an anniversary, it decided to collect farm implements for Sierra Leone—one for each year.
Anna, Eben, and Abram Ypma hold the garden tools that inspired giving to the “60 for 60” campaign.
Photo by Sid Ypma
The small church in Port Alberni, British Columbia, launched “60 for 60” in support of the Family Farm program, initiated with the CRC in Sierra Leone, which focuses on sustainable community agriculture.
The campaign, wrapping up as the year ends, has collected money for 60 hoes, 60 watering cans, 60 machetes, and 60 shovels that will be used to establish gardens in villages throughout the countryside in the Koinadugu district of this small West African country.
All age groups participated, holding garage sales, car washes and other fund-raising events.
The church has far exceeded its goals. Additional funds will support other pieces of the Family Farm budget, including education sessions, seed loans, and other sustainable development needs.
“$5,000 is a big deal in a blue-collar congregation like Port Alberni. It is so exciting to see how we could meet both global and local mission initiatives with one project,” said the church’s pastor, Rev. Sid Ypma.
Related Link
Video of British Columbia-Sierra Leone partnership
About the Author
Jenny deGroot is a freelance media review and news writer for The Banner. She lives on Swallowfield Farm near Fort Langley B.C. with her husband, Dennis. Before retirement she worked as a teacher librarian and assistant principal.
