P.E.I. sends $30K of spuds to Fort Mac food banks

P.E.I. potato farmers from across the Island are coming together to send a tractor-trailer full of fresh spuds to people affected by the devastating wildfire in Fort McMurray, Alta.

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The load will contain 20 pallets that'sapproximately 22,679 kilograms of potatoesvalued at about $30,000, and will leave on Wednesday.

"We have an industry of very generous people. This is the best way we know how to help," said Alex Docherty, chair of the PEI Potato Board, in a written release Tuesday.

"We reached out to help when the fires were burning, and were told that the food need would be greatest when people were moving back to their homes. We were very pleased to pull this together when the folks from Alberta contacted us last week."

'Share concern and hope'

The potatoes will be distributed through the Alberta Food Bank and the Salvation Army in Fort McMurray, and will help families get back on their feet as they make their move back to their homes and communities, Docherty said.

"The Salvation Army is thrilled to be able to work with the P.E.I. potato industry to bring much-needed resources from our Island to the people who have been impacted by the terrible devastation of the Fort McMurray fires," said Major Daniel Roode of the Salvation Army.

"We appreciate the opportunity to share concern and hope with people who need it the most."

The potatoes will take about8 days to make the trip. The freight for the trip is being donated by Cavendish Farms.

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