Our Spring Appeal Campaign is LIVE!

You may be asking ‘what does this Spring Appeal Campaign have to do with me?’ and "‘what are they up to over at Portland Fruit Tree PRoject this year?’

Here is a note from our Executive Director, Heather Keisler Fornes, sharing some news about Portland Fruit Tree Project’s latest endeavors and how you can get involved:

“I want to begin by saying thank you for being a part of the PFTP network. Every hour volunteered, newsletter read, or social media post shared helps us work toward our vision of joyful communities that see every fruit tree as an abundant resource which contributes to a just food system and enhances the well-being of people, community networks, habitat, and our changing climate.

Looking forward to the coming year, I am overjoyed at what we seek to achieve together and the key role that fruit trees can play in our region's urban forest. Traditionally, many nonprofits operate with a scarcity mindset - not enough resources, not enough money to fix the many problems we're all facing. Portland Fruit Tree Project has a different vision. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we have been able to pause and embrace that there is enough: enough food, enough passion, enough wealth in this world to allow everyone to thrive - as long as we work together with a spirit of abundance and collaboration. The only thing we may be short on is time.
We have a short time frame to act on the climate crisis, and realize the situation is more dire in the wake of the extreme heat dome we had last summer. To combat the challenge, we are focused on the role of fruit trees in creating an equitable, justice-centered urban canopy before, during, and after the harvest. This includes maintaining fruit trees, and developing the benefits they provide, such as:

Providing fresh, healthy food with minimal transportation.

Creating places of shade, rest, and respite for people and animals.
Building food and habitat for birds, pollinators, and other creatures.
Sequestering carbon and strengthening our resilience against climate change.
Aiding in storm water management.

Healing Walks

One thing we are focusing on this year is creating places of shade, rest, and respite for people and animals.

Over the past five years, Portland tree canopy has been on the decline and the losses are higher in lower-income areas. One major effect of those losses is heat islands that disproportionately impact vulnerable community members. Fruit trees aren't often seen as powerful players in the fight for shade equity and have often been neglected, leaving them vulnerable to damage from storms and pests.

Engaging in fruit tree care.
Creating a green workforce development program.
Working with coalitions on this issue are ways we are stepping up.

Volunteers with Portland Fruit Tree Project come together for a backyard harvest.

And we can’t do it alone
We appreciate your all of your support (past, present and future) and hope you are inspired to take the next step!

The absolute best way that you can help us build long term success is to become a Fruit Bud by making a monthly donation of any amount that is meaningful to you. You will receive quarterly updates about what we have been up to and receive special invitations and opportunities as they arise.

Not in a place to do a monthly gift, or that's just not your style? Not a problem! A one time donation is also very appreciated, as are contributions through donor advised funds, vehicles, or stock!

The Ohana Foundation will match your donation dollar for dollar until 10/15/2022!

BambuHome!

Win a sweet gift basket of Bambu Home goods!

Added Incentives!
For this Spring fundraising campaign, all new Fruit Buds will get a fun gift basket with treasures from our friends at Bambu Home and ALL donors will be entered to win a pair of tickets to the upcoming SOLD OUT Jack Johnson show at McMenamins Edgefield.

Every donation that uses the "Ohana Foundation" section of the donation page will also be MATCHED up to $2500 - so if you donate $20, we'll get $40!
There are additional ways you can show your support as well. You can apply for our board of directors; mention us to friends and followers on social media; or register your own fruit trees! Stay tuned for additional opportunities to raise your voice on local canopy related policy issues. City council meetings are a great way to bring awareness of canopy decline to our elected officials. Anything you do helps us create a more equitable society where everyone can thrive.
Example of the gift basket - full disclosure each every collection of cute bamboo swag will be a little different and the cute floral tablecloth isn't included. It might come to you in a bag or box!
Donate Now!

Thank you for all that you have given and all that you continue to give. Movements like this don’t come along every day and we’re so glad that you’ve decided to be a part of it. It wouldn’t be the same without you.
#strongertogether #stayfruity

Heather Keisler Fornes (she/her)
Executive Director
PS: We know that for many, 2022 is starting out to be yet another extremely challenging year. If you are struggling, we are here for you. Please reach out. Meanwhile, there are others among us who have unexpected room in our budgets, thanks to tax refunds and staycations. If you are able to help, please consider supporting us with a meaningful donation.
PPS: Mark your calendars for 4/28 from 5-10pm for a night of revelry at Swift Taproom! PFTP will be there to answer questions and Swift Cider and Bauman's Cider will be donating a portion of their sales to us!”