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Special thanks to our
Guest Judges from:
OMAFRA- from Harrow
Agri-Food Canada
Heinz Agricultural Dept.
Metro Grocery Store
Price Chopper
Real Canadian Superstore
Citrus Sam's
Windsor Star
Local Restaurants
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One of the official judges, Joe Colassanti (far left, from Colassanti’s Tropical Gardens); official head judge, Greenhouse Specialist, Shalin Khosla (centre left, from OMAFRA); judge Scott Makey (furthest back, centre, H.J.Heinz Agriculture Manager); volunteer Peter Barraco (centre, from Barraco Tool & Mold); Mike St.Pierre (back centre right, from Cardinal Carter Secondary, Head of Horticulture Department); judge Rose Del Brocco (centre right, from Real Canadian Superstore); judge Annette Diab (right, manager from Price Chopper) |
It’s true – an amazing thing happens when the business community comes together with a purpose. Last year, the 2010 Leamington Greenhouse Competitions – The Hottest Tomato, Coolest Cucumber and Perfect Pepper Competitions raised enough funds to sponsor over 50 kids in Uganda AND the remainder of the generously donated Greenhouse Farmers Market went to the local Salvation Army food bank to feed the many hungry families in the Leamington area.
R.E.A.CH. International, created and organizes the competitions exclusively for the Ontario Greenhouse Industry. www.reachint.org This year R.E.A.CH. hopes to be able to sponsor the same children and even another 50 children! “This is our fifth year and we’re very excited by the response we’ve been getting! It’s very clear that the Ontario Greenhouse Industry has a good heart,” says event organizer, Nicole Barron. “And let’s face it, it’s good business and a great marketing strategy for winners of each category. With so many categories to participate in, the odds are good that most participants will have winning produce. It really helps to differentiate your product from the competition when you can incorporate the title of “Voted Best XX In the Greenhouse Capital of North America” in all your advertising and promotions!”
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Far Left Tony Butineau (owner of Price Chopper), Louise Morrison (owner of Victorian Tea Room & Restaurant), and Ted Whipp (Food Writer for Windsor Star) evaluate entries for the Red Bell Pepper category. |
So, for the fifth consecutive year, the biggest Greenhouse Industry players are participating in the Hottest Tomato Competition and Perfect Pepper and Coolest Cucumber Competitions! And what better location than at the Leamington Agricultural Fair on Fathers Day weekend – June 17-18-19. Being joined by the Salvation Army volunteers, R.E.A.CH. will again be running the “Greenhouse Farmers Market” featuring donated produce from each of the competition participants. Proceeds from the sale of this produce go to support the local Salvation Army Food Bank. REACH is a small charity run entirely by volunteers. This small but mighty group of volunteers has raised tens of thousands of dollars to build schools & clinics, drill water wells, and sponsor and care for impoverished children in Uganda, Africa. Their unique program guarantees that 100% of child-sponsorship dollars goes to help the children. “We do separate fundraisers, such as this one, to raise money for operating expenses. Since we’re all volunteers, our expenses are very low. Whatever we raise beyond those expenses also goes to our projects. The high integrity of REACH and the life-changing trips some volunteers have made to Uganda make us passionate to continue helping these precious children,” says event organizer, Nicole Barron.
The humble town of Leamington, Ontario, which is also the location of REACH International’s head office, has also earned the title of The Greenhouse Capitol of North America and the Tomato Capitol of Canada – a status that makes this event so unique. Last year’s Overall Winner, and winner of several sub-categories, was again Mastronardi Produce / SUNSET ®. Also winning several categories, Mucci International / Mucci Pac; Clifford Produce; Pure Hothouse Food; Westmoreland / Topline Produce; with Amco Produce and new participant Fisherville Greenhouses winning single categories!
“Every Marketer/Greenhouse owner has been so fantastic! The Corporate Sponsors of our event are also amazing! Some sponsors even come out to volunteer at the event! It’s not just about a clever marketing opportunity for either group, they all love that we’re really making a difference for those who desperately need it. You can’t get any better than that!” says Barron.
To get more information or to get involved, contact
Nicole Barron (519) 968-2612 or email nic.barron@gmail.com.
© Copyright 2007-2011 - R.E.A.CH. International Hottest Tomato Competition.
Which greenhouse grower will have the hottest greenhouse produce in the Greenhouse Capital of North America?
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