When Did OFRE Start ?

OFRE began in 2009 as a volunteer group. Read more about our history.

Does OFRE rescue fruit outside Edmonton ?

OFRE rescues fruit in Edmonton and surrounding areas which can include:

• Stony Plain
• Sherwood Park
• St. Albert

The majority of our fruit picks happen in the city of Edmonton because our picks are based upon volunteers and their location, transportation, etc.

When did OFRE become a non-profit ?

In 2013, OFRE incorporated as a non-profit society in the province of Alberta.

Are there other fruit rescue organizations in Canada ?

Yes! See our list of fruit gleaning organizations in Canada and around the world.

If you know of one and don’t see it on our list, let us know!

What type of events does OFRE host ?

OFRE hosts:

• cider-making parties
• fruit preserving workshops
• fruit picks
• tree pruning workshops
• apple maggot workshops
• volunteer appreciation events
• and more!

Visit our Events page for more information.

Does OFRE sell products made from the rescued fruit ?

No. We ran a pilot project in 2012 selling our jams, jellies, and apple cider at farmers markets in Edmonton. Currently, we don’t sell or make products for sale.

If you are looking for products made from locally rescued fruit, you can check out Fruits of Sherbrooke.

How do I register to have my fruit rescued ?

Organizing a fruit rescue on your property is a two-step process:

1. Register as a fruit grower by filling in the Fruit Grower Registration form.
2. Request a fruit rescue ONLY when your fruit is ready by completing the Fruit Rescue Request Form. This form is sent to you via email after you register as a fruit grower.

Why should we give 7 to 10 days notice of when our fruit is ready ?

OFRE asks that all fruit growers give 7-10 days notice of when they think their fruit will be ready. This helps our admin volunteers give enough notice to our fruit pickers so they can sign up for the event.

NOTE: Please do not schedule too far in advance as fruit ripeness changes from year to year with environmental conditions.

OFRE is run by a small group of dedicated volunteers.

We do not have staff who can alter your harvest requests if the time frame of ripeness changes for your fruit rescue.

What if I have more than 1 type of fruit on my property ?

That’s great! When you register as a fruit grower, indicate all the types of fruit that you want to share.

When it comes time to harvest your fruit, fill in the Fruit Rescue Request Form ONLY for the fruit that is ready at that time.

As the rest of your fruit ripens, fill in the form again to request another harvest. This ensures that volunteers will arrive when the fruit is ripe.

NOTE: The Fruit Rescue Request Form will be sent to you via email after you register as a fruit grower.

How do I determine how many fruit pick volunteers I need ?

Depending on how much fruit you have and what type it is will determine the number of volunteers you need for a fruit rescue.

2 volunteers are the minimum as we like to keep the events community oriented. Here are some suggestions that might help:

• Rhubarb bush(es) → 2 volunteers
• Raspberry patch  → 2 to 4 volunteers. Everyone loves raspberries!
• Cherry tree → 2 to 3 volunteers
• Fully loaded apple tree → 3 volunteers
• Multiple fruit trees in your yard.
  • two fruit trees → 4+ volunteers
  • three or more trees → 3 to 6 volunteers

Is there anything I can do to help the fruit pick volunteers ?

If you have a ladder or other helpful equipment, please leave it out for fruit pick volunteers to use.

There is no need for you to be there at the time of the pick unless you would like to be.

Some of our fruit owners have even joined us in harvesting the fruit, sharing stories with us.

Who can become a member of OFRE ?

Anyone! Learn more about the benefits of membership with Operation Fruit Rescue Edmonton.

Why do I need a membership to be a fruit pick volunteer ?

OFRE Membership is required in order for our liability insurance to cover you and us to participate at OFRE events.

Funds raised from membership fees go towards administration costs and a year of end gathering to thank our all our members & volunteers.

What is a fruit rescue ?

A fruit rescue/pick is an event organized by OFRE to harvest locally grown fruit at someone’s residential property in the greater Edmonton region.

How do I sign up for a fruit rescue ?

To sign up for a fruit pick, you first need to SIGN UP for an OFRE membership.

Once we receive your membership fee, you will start to receive pick notifications as soon as our growers make a fruit rescue request.

What do I need to bring on a fruit rescue ?

Fruit picks are outdoor events and it’s best to dress accordingly.

HOW TO BE FRUIT PICK READY:

• wear comfortable footwear
• bring layers of clothing, including a rain jacket
• bring bug spray
• wear sunscreen
• bring water to stay hydrated
• anything else you may need to enjoy the pick!

Remember: *Safe picking is good picking.

Can I forward a fruit rescue notification email message to a friend ?

No. Email notifications from OFRE to our volunteer member fruit pickers are considered private correspondence.

Our fruit pick volunteers must become members of OFRE in order to be covered by our liability insurance.

Please SIGN UP if you would like to come on a fruit pick with us. Fruit rescues are lots of fun for all ages!