Sandher Fruit Packers, a Kelowna-based company with deep immigrant roots, has launched a new philanthropic initiative titled “Sandher Feeds Canada.” This program aims to support communities across British Columbia through charitable contributions and in-kind support, focusing on areas such as youth development, food security, health and wellness, arts and culture, and poverty relief.
The Sandher family’s journey began in the 1980s when they arrived in Canada as fruit pickers in the Okanagan Valley. Over the years, they transitioned from laborers to orchard owners, eventually founding Sandher Fruit Packers in 1995. Today, the company is a major supplier of apples and cherries across Canada and abroad, including to Sobeys, Safeway, Walmart, Costco, Federated Co-op and more..
“This country gave us a chance,” said a company spokesperson. “Now we’re in a position to say thank you—not just in words, but in action.”
The “Sandher Feeds Canada” program has already begun its outreach. Earlier this month, Sandher Fruit Packers was the title sponsor of the 2025 Summer Solstice Soccer Festival in Richmond, a two-day youth tournament that brought together 86 teams from around the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island. The company’s support helped fund equipment and operations, elevating the quality and visibility of the event.
Next, Sandher sponsored the Canada Day game for the Vancouver Canadians minor league baseball team on July 1. In partnership with local youth organizations, the company donated game tickets to children from underserved communities, offering a fun and inclusive way for families to celebrate the national holiday.
Looking ahead, Sandher plans to contribute to food banks, hospital programs, school meal initiatives, and arts organizations throughout the fall and winter. The company also intends to provide fresh fruit donations to kitchens, shelters, and community organizations in areas experiencing food insecurity.
“We feed people for a living,” said the company’s spokesperson. “But feeding people isn’t just about nutrition. It’s about community. It’s about dignity. And it’s about belonging.”
While Sandher Fruit Packers is based in Kelowna, the company emphasizes that its gratitude and impact extend far beyond the Okanagan. Additional giving announcements are expected throughout the year, and a formal grant process is being developed for launch in 2026.