Okanagan Fruit Tree Project (Harvest Leader needed to lead fruit picking teams)

• Appropriate for Volunteers Aged 55 and Over
• Appropriate for Youth (i.e.
• less than 18)
• Family-Oriented Volunteering
• Training or Orientation Required

The Okanagan Fruit Tree Project is a non-profit organization that aims to reduce hunger by turning backyard fruit trees into a source of healthy food for the community. Fruit is harvested by a team of energetic volunteers and shared with local organizations like the Food Banks, Boys and Girls Club, women’s shelter, and many more. Volunteers are the heart and soul of the project and truly contribute to its success. Become a Harvest Leader to help reduce hunger in our community! What is a Harvest Leader? “Harvest Leaders” are specially-trained volunteers that go the extra mile to help get the fruit from the tree to the charity! Each fruit harvest involves: • Picking up equipment from our downtown storage location • Greeting volunteers and leading a safe and fun fruit pick! • Bringing the fruit and equipment back to home-base and possibly helping with deliveries. • Fill out a short post-pick report. Easy! Why become a Harvest Leader? It doesn’t get more “hands on” than this! Help contribute to food security and make a difference in your community. This position is the backbone of the Fruit Tree Project, without Harvest Leaders we simply couldn’t do it. Help divert fruit from going to waste and reallocate the harvest to those most in need. What you get: • A steady supply of fruit and your chance to pick it throughout the season (think cherries, apricots, plums, apples, and nuts… yum!) • Volunteer opportunities scheduled according to your availability • A chance to build community, meet new people, and help the environment • An opportunity to gain valuable work experience and develop leadership skills and other work-related skills (time-management, multi-tasking, coordination, teamwork, engaging and building confidence in volunteers, organization, and communication). We are happy to provide reference letters for employment, volunteer hours, etc. What is expected of me? Harvest Leaders are asked to commit to leading 6-8 picks (approx. 2-3 hours each pick) throughout the harvesting season. Our season runs from July-October. How does it work? You will receive emails from the coordinator with details about upcoming fruit picks that are in need of a Harvest Leader. Simply email back when you can lead a pick, so you can make it suit your schedule. New to picking fruit? No problem! All Harvest Leaders will attend a training session to be scheduled at a later date. Email okanaganfruittree@gmail.com or call our Coordinator, Ailsa, directly at 778.214.5664 to sign up as a Harvest Leader!