You will remember that I have written several times about the wonderful organisation called Fruit Share. Started in 2010 by the inimitable Getty Stewart, this volunteer-run group connects homeowners with excess fruit in their backyards with volunteer pickers who climb the trees and fill the baskets.

From 10 fruit pickers in South Osborne four years ago, the organisation has grown to an astonishing 600 volunteers, including branches in Brandon and Steinbach. Neepawa and Dauphin are expected to join the roster this year.

One third of the harvest goes to the homeowner, one third to the volunteers and one third to charity. See Fruit Share’s website for the long list of organisations, such as Agape Table, Winnipeg Harvest and Resource Assistance for Youth (RaY), which have received fresh fruit to pass on to their clients.

Now the excellence of our hardworking volunteers and homeowners has been recognised by the Government of Manitoba. The Manitoba Excellence in Sustainability Awards are given out each year to recognize Manitobans who embrace the spirit and principles of sustainable development. There are seven award categories, including Sustainability in Pollution Prevention and Product Stewardship, Education for Sustainability, and Innovation and Research for Sustainability.

Fruit Share received the 2013 Manitoba Excellence in Sustainability Award in the category of Sustainability in Pollution Prevention and Product Stewardship. Fruit Share founder Getty Stewart and fellow volunteers Katie Anderson and Laura Rawluk accepted the award on March 17 during a reception hosted at the Manitoba Legislature.

While everything is still covered in snow this week, we know that spring really is just around the corner. The geese are starting to come back, the days are getting longer, and the sun is getting stronger. Soon our bare trees will be covered in blossoms and later, with fruit.

If you are looking for a volunteer opportunity, or if you foresee an excess of fruit in your yard which you would love to share with the less fortunate, visit Fruit Share or call Getty Stewart at (204) 284-1234.