Canadian farmers urged to be generous in African support

A farmer who drove his combine across Canada to highlight the struggles of Canadian producers now wants them to dig deep for Africans suffering from famine.

Nick Parsons of Farmington, B.C., said Canadian farmers could raise $10 million for famine relief in Africa if they donated $100.

“We have a lot to be thankful for. I think it would be wonderful if Canada’s farmers could send a $10 million cheque from farmers to farmers,” said Parsons. “We have so much here and they have so little.”

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The United Nations officially declared famine in two southern Somalia regions July 20. It is trying to save 12 million people, one-third of Canada’s population, as the area tries to battle the worst drought in 60 years.

Parsons drove his combine from his northern British Columbia home to Victoria in 1998 and from his home to Ottawa in 2000 to try and gain the country’s attention about the plight of Canadian farmers. His combine led rallies through Ontario in 2001.

“I fought for Canadian farmers in 2000 and 2001 and I believe I did make a mark. Doing something gets attention and these people need attention,” said Parsons.

“I looked at it like this. I met a lot of farmers across Canada and they’re never satisfied. It could always be better, but it could also be a hell of a lot worse. Nothing here is like what these folks are going through.”

The UN estimated 3.7 million people were facing a food crisis and tens of thousands in war-torn Somalia may die without aid.

“Everybody in Canada can afford to donate, whether they think they can or not,” said Parsons.

While $10 million seems like a lot of money, Parsons said it’s about the same cost as 25 new combines.

Places you can donate:

Canadian Foodgrains Bank

www.foodgrainsbank.ca

1-800-665-0377

The Humanitarian Coalition

(CARE Canada, Oxfam Canada, Oxfam-Quebec, Plan Canada, Save the Children Canada)

www.helpforcharities.com

1-800-464-9154

UN World Food Programme