Manitoba farmer raises money to end hunger

While most farmers object to outsiders taking pictures on their property, Dean Toews of Manitoba is in his second year specifically growing a field of sunflowers and asking people to stop by for selfies.

Toews grows corn and soybeans, but starting in 2021, he's setting up a huge photo area of bright yellow flowers for everyone to enjoy for free. He also allows you to take a few flowers with you. All he asks is that people donate to the Canadian Foodgrains Bank.

Foodgrains Bank is an association of charitable projects that help developing countries meet urgent food needs and work toward solutions to hunger in the long run.

Last year $2,000 CAD was raised in cash donations and another $20,000 CAD was raised from the sale of the sunflower crop. The federal government supported this campaign and quadrupled this amount, which means that over $100,000 CAD was raised in total.

This year, the farmer hopes to raise more money. He accepts cash, but for the convenience of visitors he ordered a large sign with a QR code, which can be used for online transfers.

According to the farmer, there is something special about a field of sunflowers that fills the hearts of people who come to visit:

"It's a beautiful big bright yellow plant, and I don't think you can help but smile when you're in a field of sunflowers. So it's definitely a positive place to be. And that's what people need."

Dean Toews' farm is located near the town of McGregor in Manitoba, about 120 kilometers west of Winnipeg.