Calgary Harvest is an organization dedicated to turning a fallen fruit problem into a local food solution. Calgary Harvest started in 2009 with the harvest of a single tree. Our founder and current committee member, Adrian Buckley, was biking down his back alley and spied a beautiful apple tree. He got so excited by the fruit, he immediately knocked on the door and asked if he could have some. From this first tree and inspired by other fruit harvesting organizations across Canada and the US, we grew to 100 trees harvested in 2010. Since 2011, Calgary Harvest has operated on a community scale, with neighbourhood coordinators organizing harvests. There are numerous types of fruit grown locally in Calgary; including apples, pears, plums, cherries, berries of all kinds, and even apricots when the weather is right. The fruit is divided amongst volunteers, home owners, Calgary Harvest and community groups. Calgary Harvest is an autonomous committee of the Permaculture Calgary Guild.
There are a lot of other organizations just like us in cities all across Canada. If you are looking for an fruit harvesting organization in your community, scroll down to the bottom of the page where you can find links to some of our sister organizations.
Vision Statement
A future where Calgarians work together to embrace urban fruit.
Mission Statement
- To build strong community by coordinating harvests to connect Calgarians through their urban fruit.
- To create awareness of the abundance of delicious urban fruit.
- To facilitate opportunities for Calgarians to creatively use urban fruit through education and skill building.
Organizing Committee
Currently our Committee is made up of 4 people passionate about local food and urban fruit. The members include:
Adrian Buckley – Founder and Equipment Manager (Rentals)
Kristin Chow – Volunteer Organization and Communications & Events
Christina Pickles – Committee Chair and Volunteer Organization (currently a PCG Board Member)
Kate Stenson – Communications & Events
If you have any questions about our organization or if you’d like to partner with us, please contact us at chharvests@gmail.com. If you are interested in volunteering or coordinating a harvest please connect with us through our Volunteer page.
Similar Organizations
British Columbia
Vancouver – Vancouver Fruit Tree Project
Victoria – Victoria Fruit Tree Project
Alberta
Edmonton – Operation Fruit Rescue
Saskatchewan
Saskatoon – Out of Your Tree
Regina – Fruit for Thought
Manitoba
Winnipeg – Fruit Share
Ontario
Toronto – Not Far From the Tree
Mississauga – Mississauga Fruit Tree
Hamilton – Hamilton Fruit Tree Project
Ottawa – Hidden Harvest
Quebec
Montreal – Les jardins suspendus
Newfoundland
St. John’s – St. John’s Fruit Tree Project