Vesey’s Seeds Ltd in York, Prince Edward Island have donated over $43,000 to Rotary International’s Polio Eradication Program.
This two-pronged campaign consisted of Rotary Clubs selling boxes of the End Polio Now Tulip to members and friends across Atlantic Canada as well as this product being offered in Vesey’s Canada-wide fall bulb catalogue.
The sales generated in Atlantic Canada resulted in a contribution by Vesey’s of $32,005. and the net result of the same tulips being sold through the Vesey’s catalogue generated an additional $11,187. for a total contribution of $43,192.
“Our entire firm is excited by this substantial donation to assist Rotary in eradicating polio in the last two remaining countries. As well, thanks to the generosity of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, this contribution will be double matched therefore making the impact three times the initial proceeds,” said John Barrett, Vesey’s director of sales, marketing and development.
“This project has been a wonderful example of co-operation that stretches across the Atlantic. At every stage of the project from grower to packaging, shipping, production and delivery, all companies involved in the final delivery of these special tulips have done so without profit. This shows how highly respected Rotary and it’s international goals cross the globe.”
With a total of 2,647 boxes of these tulips sold this fall, plans are already underway to expand the project for 2021 into other parts of Canada and a goal of 5,000 boxes has been set for next fall.
