“In my wildest dreams, I would have never thought that this small group would donate more than $1.5 million dollars since 2011.”
Those are the words of Edwin Henervic, as he reflects on over 15 years of service as the leader of the Abundant Harvest community project.
It began in the early 1990s, when Margaret Rempel launched a growing project near Randolph, Manitoba, supported by local farmers and businesses who donated land, inputs, and funds. Farmers rotated donating 80 acres, and the harvested grain was sold with proceeds donated to Foodgrains Bank, highlighted by a large, festive community harvest day. During this time, Ed was also involved as a farmer.
After some difficult years for local farmers, the project took a break. It was revived in 2011 when Ed stepped into the leadership role, initiating a new model that now includes various ways to raise money: a fall harvest supper, individual farms donating acres and contributing crop proceeds, and opportunities for non-farmers and agribusinesses to participate through donations or “virtual” acres.
“Now we estimate that we have about 12 farms, 4 businesses and 26 individuals/families who are regular contributors to the project,” says Ed. “When I dreamt about this new way of doing a grow project, I had no idea that it would grow to what it has – [raising $1.5 million]. It is very humbling to be part of such a generous group.”
About 75 people attended the fall banquet dinner hosted by the Abundant Harvest community project in Manitoba, pictured above. “The fall dinner is a highlight where we meet and people stay and visit – that’s so rewarding to see people enjoying each others company,” says group leader Edwin Henervic. (Photo: Dale Friesen)
And every summer, the group hosts a Picnic in the Park event – not a fundraiser, Ed says, but a chance for families, children, and neighbours to simply enjoy being together. For Ed, this emphasis on connection mirrors his own reasons for supporting the Foodgrains Bank, which come from several personal sources: “My faith, realizing that I have so much and others so little, the efficient use of funds by Foodgrains Bank, and much support and encouragement from participants and others… I have been so encouraged that younger people have been willing to step into leadership roles.
“I love that we can be a small part of a much larger body – and that we can make a difference in the world for some people less fortunate than us.”
This story was originally published in the 2026 summer edition of Breaking Bread.
