EOL’s Growing Project 2022 begins

By Joan Janzen

This year’s growing season kicked off the Eatonia Oasis Living (EOL) Growing Project 2022, EOL’s primary fundraiser. Cora Knuttila, Administrator at EOL, said this year, Larock Farms seeded the 128 acres of land provided by the Town of Eatonia. Many producers and businesses in the area have helped with this project since it began in 2017.

During the 2021 harvest, Matt Hoffman arranged a combine demo by Rocky Mountain Equipment and invited several area farmers. Hoffman Land & Cattle partnered with the growing project, handling all the seeding, spraying and harvesting of the crop. Kindersley Co-op continues to supply 1500 litres of fuel, and various farmers provide trucking at no charge.

The cost of a billboard sign was covered by Matthew McKinnon and Randi Somerville. Additional contributors to the 2021 growing project were: BASF, FMC, Al and Ashton Nunweiler, Steven and Virginia Klarenbach, Punter Farms, Randy and Sheryl Seefried, W&K Stevens Farms, and Rob Assmus.

“G-Mac Ag Team and Nutrien Ag both reached out to the chemical/fertilizer companies that they deal with for donations,” Cora said. People can also purchase chemical for the project, make a payment on their Nutrien account, or donate directly to EOL, earmarking the donation for the growing project. In all instances, you will be issued a charitable receipt.

“Our account at Nutrien is sitting at $13,420.00 with upcoming costs of fertilizer, Liberty and Centurion. Every little bit counts, and we need your help as costs of inputs are very high,” Cora explained.

During the 2022 project, generous donations continue rolling in. Canola seed was donated by BASF, Aim donated by FMC, Pardner donated by Bayer, and Glyphosate donated by Nutrien Ag Solutions - Eatonia.

“Since the inception of the EOL Growing Project in 2017, proceeds exceeded $100,000 ($146,389 before expenses),” Cora said. The funds help keep EOL’s equipment up-to-date so that they can provide the safest environment possible for their residents.

“Some of the projects we have been able to complete with the proceeds from this, and past years, include the replacement of the commercial washing machine, new chairs for the dining room, and the replacement of the fire pump controller used for the fire sprinkler system. We are currently looking at replacing the countertops and painting the kitchen,” Cora explained.

Everyone involved with the EOL growing project is thankful for the recent rainfall. However, this fundraiser is only possible because of the hard work and generosity of local businesses and people in the community.