By Lyonel Doherty

Times-Chronicle Staff

Elmer Neufeld from Penticton works on a new site improvement project at the Okanagan Gleaners in Oliver. In background is general manager Greg Masson. (Photo by Lyonel Doherty)

Like George Michael said, “You gotta have faith.”

That’s exactly what the Okanagan Gleaners Society has held on to during this global pandemic.

The faith-based volunteer group is back in action feeding the hungry all across the world.

The last day the Gleaners worked was March 20 when they packaged boxes of apple chips and dried potatoes destined for Inuvik (Northwest Territories).

“From that day until Tuesday, June 9, we did no processing (of food),” said general manager Greg Masson, citing complications with social distancing.

That meant the Gleaners went 10 weeks without drying a single onion.

But he was quick to note the downtime enabled them to establish a new refrigeration unit (cooler) and some site improvements via landscaping.

Approximately 27 volunteers showed up on June 9 to start mixing dried soup again.

“We are restricted to the number of volunteers we can have in order to keep social distancing.”

Moving forward, the COVID-19 issue will affect the Gleaners on a continual basis, Masson said, pointing out the impact on volunteer numbers.

The tenting facilities are no longer offered because of sanitation challenges.

“Self-contained motorhomes are up to you . . . you keep your own bathroom clean,” he chuckled.

Once the Gleaners start operating outside again, social distancing won’t be an issue, Masson said.

The goal is to continue producing because, let’s face it, tomatoes are still going to grow whether there’s a virus or not.

“I know we have support of the local growers, so we’ll just do the best we can with the volunteers that we have.”

Masson said the new cooler built by 3 Bar Construction is in the finishing stages.

He noted the unit will reduce their operating costs because they were previously using diesel-powered machinery for their refrigeration.

“It’s going to cut down on our carbon footprint and it’s going to cut down on our operating costs.”

A plastic barrier separates volunteers on the assembly line. (Photo by Lyonel Doherty)

Masson said the need in the world right now is horrendous. He received a phone call from a fellow from Surrey who took a Gleaners’ shipment to Venezuela.

“He was just amazed at how it’s been distributed. Lots of hoops to go through to get it there, but even the police are involved in distributing the soup.”

At the end of the day, the Gleaners won’t be able to produce as much as last year, but the volunteers are excited to be back.

“They couldn’t wait to come make soup because they know there’s so much need.”

Not only are there earthquakes and typhoons to contend with, there’s famine and locusts, Masson pointed out.

“I can’t image a swarm of locusts or grasshoppers coming across and just eating everything in the way. That’s what part of these African nations have had to put up with.”

As far as volunteer safety goes, the Gleaners had to establish WorkSafeBC protocols such as physical distancing and sanitation, including masks and plastic barriers on the assembly line.

“Before we get rolling in the morning, I read off our policy. If you have any signs of illness (even a tickle in your throat) . . . please enjoy your signs at home.”

Volunteer Terry Williams from Edmonton has been helping the Gleaners in their cause for more than two years.

“We practise all of the disciplines needed (right now) so we’re in good health.”

Williams said he and his spouse thought the Gleaners’ work was a good fit for them during their retirement.

“Living in an RV, we decided to apply and were accepted, and ever since then it has been just a terrific experience. The people and the goal here were just what we were looking for.”

Williams said he often finds the work very motivating.

“Now that the curve has been flattened a lot, we actually hardly know that there’s even this (virus) happening in the world.”