P.E.I. business donates more than $43K to Rotary

Vesey’s Seeds has donated more than $43,000 to Rotary International’s Polio Eradication Program.

Through the campaign, Rotary Clubs sold boxes of the End

Polio Now Tulip to members and friends across Atlantic Canada and the product was also 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 and 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.

CONTRIBUTED John Barrett, left, with Vesey’s Seeds, presents a cheque for $11,187.25 to Lewie Creed, past-president and foundation chairman of the Rotary Club of Charlottetown Royalty. This cheque represents the net proceeds from the sale of the End Polio Now tulip through the Vesey’s catalogue.