PEI Potato Industry Supports Fort McMurray

The Prince Edward Island (PEI) potato industry is supporting those affected by devastating wildfires in Fort McMurray, Canada, with a full tractor trailer load of fresh island potatoes, which left PEI on Wednesday, July 6.

The load contains 20 pallets – approximately 50,000 pounds of fresh spuds – with a total value of about USD30k. The potatoes have been donated by various packers and growers from tip to tip of PEI. “We have an industry of very generous people. This is the best way we know how to help” says Alex Docherty, chairman of the PEI Potato Board.

The PEI 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 move back to their homes and communities. “The Salvation Army is thrilled to be able to work with the PEI 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. We appreciate the opportunity to share concern and hope with people who need it the most,” says Major Daniel Roode of the Salvation Army.