For over five years, Mel Kachur, a local gardener from Pansy, has been doing more than just growing vegetables at his three-acre Garden of Eden. Kachur donates locally and internationally, including being the organizer of an annual bake sale.

Mel has a Bachelor of Science in Agronomy, and his major in horticulture makes him a local expert in growing potatoes, sweet corn, tomatoes, cucumbers, peas, beans, and beets. His produce supports local food banks, soup kitchens, and organizations like the Steinbach Family Resource Centre, Agape House, and the Siloam Mission in Winnipeg.

His contributions have made an enormous impact, not just in his community but across southeastern Manitoba. Along with his late wife, Helen, Mel has always been passionate about helping people and founded Friends of Ukraine Canada about four years ago. His Garden of Eden has been supporting families from Ukraine with vegetables and donations from vegetable sales.

Mel recently organized the “Friends of Ukraine-Canada Bake Sale” on April 19 at Clearspring Mall in Steinbach, MB. Along with volunteers, Mel sold popular Ukrainian Easter treats like perogies, cabbage rolls, crepes, soups, and pies. The money raised from the bake sale will support Canadian newcomers and their community gardens. The first year’s bake sale helped raise $5000 for a Ukrainian orphanage, and the following year, it raised $4000 for the settlement of refugees.

In December last year. Mal and his wife were honoured at the provincial legislature for giving back to the community.

Source: Adi Loewen, SteinbachOnline