Fort Myers, Fla., December 3, 2009—
St. Columbkille Catholic Church was honored on December 1st with the “Bethel Society Award” for lifetime giving to a local charity ECHO or ECHO (Educational Concerns for Hunger Organization). The Bethel Society Award pays tribute to churches who have supported ECJP through contributions totaling over $50,000. St. Columbkille is one of only 5 churches out of over 800 who have reached that milestone.
Through their thrift store located in the Iona McGregor area, St. Columbkille has supported ECHO since 2003, and provides a number of volunteers as well.
Over 400 individuals from all over Southwest Florida volunteer at ECHO in various capacities, such as farming, nursery, seedbank, tour guides and clerical work, providing over 52,000 volunteer hours per year.
About: ECHO (Educational Concerns for Hunger Organization) provides sustainable options to world hunger through agricultural training, innovative ideas, and networking. By networking with community leaders and missionaries in 180 developing countries, ECHO seeks to find agricultural solutions for families growing food under difficult conditions. ECHO’s international headquarters is located in North Fort Myers, FL.
Above photo: St. Columbkille Volunteer Thrift Store Managers accept plaque honoring their giving to ECHO.
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