The Nature+ program run by the Canadian Foodgrains Bank. (Image Credit: Canadian Foodgrains Bank)

By Alyssa Conti

Funding Farming Communities

Abbotsford auction seeks to raise over $500K for farmers in rural Africa

Feb 20, 2026 | 1:22 PM

ABBOTSFORD — A Canadian humanitarian agency is hoping to break its last fundraising record for rural African farmers – with the help of some local agriculture communities in the Fraser Valley.

The annual Make a Difference fundraiser is returning to support more than 75,000 small-scale farmers in rural Ethiopia, Kenya, Mozambique and Zimbabwe through the Canadian Foodgrains Bank’s Nature+ program, which supports sustainable agricultural practices and helps families to move towards long-term, self-sufficient food security.

“The generosity of the Lower Mainland farming community and our local business partners has been nothing short of staggering,” said Rob Brandsma, chairman of the auction. 

“Hitting the $500,000 mark last year proved that when we come together, we can change the lives of tens of thousands of people. This year, we’re inviting everyone to help us eclipse our goal of $550,000.”

The online auction is set to run from March 7 to 11, with participants encouraged to bid on a wide variety of items donated by local businesses and individuals.

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An in-person luncheon will then be held on March 12, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at New Life Church in Abbotsford to wrap up the event and allow bidders to pick up their won auction items.

The Canadian Foodgrains Bank is a partnership of 15 Canadian churches and agencies dedicated to ending world hunger.

As of 2024, 18,472 participants found new livelihoods through the Nature+ program, of whom 17,009 received training in more community and landscape governance processes, according to program data.

Anyone interested in donating items, such as physical goods, gift cards or cattle, is encouraged to reach out directly to the auction committee.