IDE Canada Exceeds Fundraising Goal for 2007

Thanks supporters for rising to the challenge

Jan 15, 2008

IDE Canada supporters raised $540,000 in 2007 to support market-based initiatives that raise the incomes of poor farmers in Africa, Asia and Latin America

IDE Canada had set a goal of $500,000 to support a range of projects in 2007. The additional money will help IDE to expand its programmes in places like Zambia, where the Chakanyuka family have moved from subsistence to a thriving market vegetable farm thanks to IDE's efforts to open up new markets and develop affordable irrigation technology.

"From vegetable growing, we have paid school fees of $138 every three months for our six children," says Mrs. Chakanyuka

"Our life is much better and we eat more food variety than before we bought a treadle pump," adds Mr. Chakanyuka.

IDE Canada executive director Stu Taylor says that he is moved by the strong support that Canadians are giving the programme. "On behalf of the farmers that we work with, I want to thank each person who gave money, time and expertise to make our programme a success. I recently traveled to Cambodia, where I was able to meet several farmers whose lives have been transformed through their own hard work and an opportunity provided through the efforts of IDE. It is truly exciting to be involved with a programme that really works, and I think that is driving the growth in support that we have seen over the past several years."

IDE's support has grown significantly in recent years, from less than 40 donors in 2003 to over 200 in 2007. "We are still a small organization," says Taylor of IDE's Canadian operation, "but, as one of my colleagues said recently, 'We dream big.'"

Globally, IDE's operations are growing in size and impact. Recent grants from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation among others have boosted the organization's capacity and credibility in the eyes of a public increasingly skeptical about the effectiveness of international aid. "Our ability to get results is what is attracting support - both from granting agencies and from the public," says Taylor. But, if you can't get the word out, people will never know about your successes. That's where we have been very lucky to have board members like Bill Fast and volunteers like Harry Olfert - our fund development officer - who have brought so many new people on board."

A $250 investment in IDE can double the income of a subsistence farmer in Africa, Asia or Latin America.

To support IDE Canada, send a cheque to IDE Canada, 830 King Edward St. Winnipeg, MB. R3H 0P5. Or give us a call at 1.204.786.1490