We recently shared an update on the Foundation’s Seeds of Inspiration (SOI) educational resources program which to date has reached nearly 100,000 students across Canada. While we’re extremely proud of our team and grateful to all of the partners who have helped build the success of SOI, it’s just the tip of the iceberg for what we hope to accomplish in the year ahead with our other funded programs. The seeds (proverbial and literal) for these initiatives have already been planted and the projects are gaining momentum as we speak. Here are some of the highlights currently underway this summer.
Cross-generational and Sustainable Projects that the Plant a Seed & See What Grows Foundation is Helping to Grow in 2020 and Beyond
Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows, Katzie, Seniors Network Intergenerational Garden, Maple Ridge, BC
You hear a lot about what our Foundation is doing to help provide healthy outdoor learning experiences for youth throughout Canada, but we’re also involved with all age-groups in the community. Our goal to create a more sustainable world for all generations is taking a leap forward thanks to our current involvement with the Intergenerational Garden in Maple Ridge. After losing funding from their primary supporter, our Foundation was called upon to provide financial assistance to keep the worthy project going. We did just that, with a $2,500 contribution to assist the organization led by seniors (for seniors) who many of them are expert green-thumbs!
What makes this initiative so appealing to our Foundation, is its cross-generational aspect. Since 2012, the Intergenerational Garden program has allowed participating seniors the opportunity to interact with younger generations and share their knowledge and skills. Annually over 400 elementary school students and 15-20 senior volunteers participate in programming at the garden, with a focus on growing nutritious food and the entire seed-to-table process:
“These intergenerational interactions are a huge benefit to both ends of the age spectrum and are one aspect of a healthy community. The knowledge sharing is important to encourage new generations of gardeners who understand where their food comes from and the importance of this sustainability. Preschool classes, homeschool groups, clients of Ridge Meadows Association of Community Living and several youth organizations also regularly visit and work in the garden.” (seniors-network.ca)
We are very excited to see this program’s progress unfold over the months, and years, to come.
Grow Calgary, AB
Grow Calgary is Canada’s largest urban community farm. They are a non-profit organization that grows fresh produce for social agencies in Calgary, Alberta with food access programs. In response to their appeal for donations the Plant a Seed & See What Grows Foundation supplied organic seed packs to Grow Calgary:
“Grow Calgary is beyond grateful to have received a sponsorship from the Plant A Seed & See What Grows Foundation. All the way from BC, they generously shipped 40 packs of organic seeds, including bush beans, lettuce, radishes, green peas, and echinacea. All of the produce harvested will be donated directly to Food Access Agencies in Calgary, which serve our most vulnerable communities. Thank you for helping us foster a more sustainable food system!” (Chelsea Klinke, Executive Director, Grow Calgary)
We can’t wait to see the fruits (err…vegetables) of this funded program as the next harvest approaches!
Like a large number of schools throughout Canada, this central Albertan (northwest of Edmonton) institution had a lunch program in place to help fight food insecurity in households with school-aged children. However, after suffering from a lack of funding due to government cutbacks, Kikino lost their lunch program. The results were traumatic as approximately 75% of Kikino’s kids relied on the snacks and lunches provided through the school.
To create a more sustainable program, the school decided to expand upon prior on-grounds gardening initiatives. They tapped into the knowledge, skills, enthusiasm and gumption of teachers and students alike to begin growing food that could be served as a part of their school lunch program. To date they have acquired three green houses and have a space for a new garden. To prepare for the school year ahead, Kikino would like to provide fresh vegetables come fall when school is back in session. They submitted a request for assistance through out funded program, and our Foundation immediately responded by donating organic seed packs for all of their 130 students and staff. This school garden and lunch program serves as a perfect example of what our Foundation seeks to accomplish from community to community through Canada. We’re honored to be of assistance!
Learn more about our funded projects, and If you would like to get involved by donating your time, talent, and/or treasure, click here.
