CAMPBELL RIVER, BC – The BC Salmon Farmers Association and its members hosted a Community Appreciation BBQ at Robert V. Ostler Park in Campbell River August 22. The team prepared over 680 salmon fillets to serve throughout the day, accepting donations in support of the Campbell River Food Bank. The local community turned out in full force, leading to an early sell-out and raising a notable total of $4,862.
“It was a surprise when we began hearing from the chefs that we might run out of salmon. We never anticipated that over 680 people would attend, but we are truly honoured that so manycame to support the Food Bank, learn more about us, and enjoy some delicious locally farmed salmon,” said Brian Kingzett, Executive Director of the BC Salmon Farmers Association. “We are also incredibly grateful to the numerous local businesses that donated their time and resources to help make the BBQ a success.”
The event featured a variety of engagement stations, including a Virtual Reality tour of a salmon farm, an Ask Us Anything booth, a Kid’s Zone with crafts and a bouncy castle, a Photo Booth, an Aqua Guardians Station in collaboration with the BC Centre for Aquatic Health Sciences, and a First Nations-Led Salmon Farming booth presented by the Coalition of First Nations for Finfish Stewardship.
The Campbell River Food Bank was also present, collecting cash donations and volunteering their time to help serve salmon, salads and cold drinks.
“Donations tend to decrease during this time of year, and these funds will be used to purchase fresh produce, meat, and dairy for our neighbours in need,” said Joanne Watson, Executive Director of the Campbell River Food Bank. “Our heartfelt thanks go out to everyone who came together to make this event an incredible success. We can only continue our important work thanks to the generous support of our community.”
The event was an excellent opportunity to show appreciation for the community while raising awareness about the salmon farming sector. With food affordability and security being significant concerns for British Columbians, recent government decisions to phase out current ocean-based salmon farms by 2029 have raised alarms about the future availability and affordability of salmon, as well as the viability of rural coastal communities on Vancouver Island.
“The City of Campbell River supports the BC salmon farming sector and will continue to do so. It’s a vital economic generator, and we are currently facing challenges in aquaculture,” said Susan Sinnott, Councillor of the City of Campbell River. “The livability of our city depends on the vibrancy of our first-dollar industries, and we aim to work collaboratively to ensure our citizens remain engaged.”
To learn more and to donate to the Campbell River Food Bank, please visit crfoodbank.ca.
ABOUT THE BC SALMON FARMERS ASSOCIATION
BC salmon farmers are committed to reconciliation, and all farms operating in BC are currently in agreement, negotiation, or established partnerships with First Nations in whose territories we operate. These agreements are founded upon recognizing First Nations’ right to exercise jurisdiction over the land, resources, and waters within their territories.
Farm-raised salmon generates over $1.142 billion for the provincial economy, supporting thousands of jobs. Additionally, farm-raised salmon provides a nutritious and sustainably produced protein with a low carbon footprint that contributes to Canada’s food security and
Blue Economy.
The BC Salmon Farmers Association represents over 60 businesses and organizations throughout the value chain of finfish aquaculture in BC. Our members account for over 95% of the annual provincial harvest of farm-raised salmon in British Columbia.
Watch the BCSFA Community Appreciation BBQ video here: WATCH HERE.
For more information, visit bcsalmonfarmers.ca.
MEDIA CONTACT
Michelle Franze
Manager of Communications, Partnerships and Community
michelle@bcsalmonfarmers.ca
604-202-4417
PHOTO CUTLINES
Campbell River Food Bank volunteers, Diane (left side) and Tom (middle), with Executive Director Joanne Watson (right side) holding cash donations at the Community Appreciation BBQ.
City of Campbell River City Councillor Susan Sinnott, sharing a speech at the BBQ.
Campbell River community members lined up for BC Salmon Farmers’ salmon lunch.
Chef Jade Berg (left), Golden Eagle Sablefish, and Dave Ashcroft (right), Cermaq Canada, barbequing salmon.
Locally raised Mowi Canada West Atlantic salmon on the BBQ.
BC Salmon Farmers Ask Us Anything booth with Dr. Gary Marty, Fish Pathologist (right) and Tom Foulds, Cermaq Canada’s Sustainable Development & Environmental Manager (left).
BC Centre for Aquatic Health Sciences’interactive science booth, which included microscopes, live sea lice and fish dissection.
Cermaq Canada’s ‘tour a salmon farm’ Virtual Reality booth.