Study tours hosted by the Canadian Foodgrains Bank have been announced for 2008. Tentative destinations include: West Africa (Sierra Leone, Liberia) or Central America (Nicaragua, El Salvador) in January and February, and a youth tour to Honduras in February. It is not too early to apply for one of these educational trips, where participants get to experience how CFGB is impacting communities. Visit CFGB's website at www.foodgrainsbank.ca for more information.
The fifth annual Fiddlers on the Trent Festival kicks off on Father's Day weekend, with all proceeds benefiting CFGB, a relief and development food aid agency supported by the Presbyterian Church. Held in Frankford, Ont., the event begins on June 14. A concert and barbeque dinner on Friday night follows, along with a Saturday morning canoe run. An art and paddle auction takes place that afternoon, and the Saturday evening dance and jamboree welcomes everyone to grab their fiddles and kick up their heels. The Sunday morning pancake breakfast precedes an ecumenical service and guest speakers from numerous denominations. Last year's festival raised more than $20,000, and when matched by the Canadian International Development Agency at a 4:1 ratio, total support was more than $100,000. Visit www.fiddlersonthetrent.150m.com for more information.
On March 29, the Treasury Board granted approval for CIDA to enter into a new agreement with CFGB that would grant the agency up to $100 million over five years, increasing the yearly allotment from $16 million to $20 million. This is a critical step in finalizing the new agreement. Final drafts of the terms are now being completed. The funding agreement will also provide CFGB with more flexibility to support food security activities in addition to its food aid and nutrition programming.
