We are surrounded with some amazing, altruistic, and like-minded people.  Without them, we simply could not have accomplished all that we set out to do. Today, we would like to shine spotlights on some proud supporters of the Plant a Seed & See What Grows Foundation so that you can support those who have dedicated their time and resources in our shared work to help inspire children. In doing so, you too become a part of a giving circle that helps create a culture of generosity across Canada.

Purveyors of Health & Wellness That Are Making a Difference in the Lives of Children in Canada

CK Ingredients

CK Ingredients is an Ontario based company that provides manufacturers of natural health food products with up-to-date research and development, raw materials and ingredients. CK Ingredients is an important part of the food distribution chain in Canada, instrumental in helping to ensure that the consumer receives only high quality, nutritious and therapeutic ingredients. Their products are Health Canada approved and have improved the lives of thousands of Canadians, naturally.

CK Ingredients is currently working with our Foundation to sponsor a school garden in Ontario, by providing funding in addition to devoting time towards the creation and sustainability of these worthy projects. In a recent conversation with company president Michael Chernyak, we learned of his motivation behind CK Ingredients:

“I have two young children who are curious about nature; and they are in learning the important role it can play in their lives.  Furthermore, my wife was raised on a farm, and has a strong connection to growing food the old-fashioned way and taking care of our community and our environment in the process.  This was a big driver for CK and for me personally.” 

When asked about why CK Ingredients chose to get involved with the Foundation and the school garden project, Michael provided the following response:

“We feel a connection to its vision and mission – they align with our core values and beliefs.  We’re very focused in our lives on young people and on helping to enhance the health and wellbeing of those around us.”

We are honored to have the opportunity to work with a company with the same core values as our Foundation and look forward to a long and fruitful relationship for years to come.

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Inside U

Inside U is a natural health store within the Health First Network organization (also based in Ontario) with a mission to promote wellness through natural health products and the development of healthier eating habits. They provide access to natural health products and services in addition to hosting educational workshops and events to teach local communities about combating food insecurity. 

Inside U has been working closely with our Foundation on Plant a Seed—Read!, a free-of-charge, program for preschool and primary grade students. The Foundation provides educational materials inspired by two children’s storybooks written by Roland Gahler; Plant a Seed & See What Grows and What to Do with What You Grew. Inside U has been instrumental in supporting this program in their communities. Their staff  have been generous  in helping to organize  local story times, reading to children and being there to answer questions from young inquiring minds.

In a recent conversation with Erin Bott, Inside U’s Purchasing Manager (and resident Certified Nutritional Practitioner), we gained insight into what fuels the mission of Inside U:

Steve Velthove

 

 “Steve (owner) envisioned a place that would be a wellness centre. He always intended for Inside U to be more than just a retail outlet and when he thought of naming the business “Inside U Health Centre”, it was with the whole person in mind, as well as a positive part of the community. Inside U was to be a place where people could come to not only purchase vitamins and health supplements, but also learn about themselves and how to improve their health and wellbeing through education and connection.”

 

 

 

When asked about why Inside U chose to get involved with the Foundation and the Plant a Seed—Read! program, Erin provided the following response:“

Plant a Seed Foundation’s mission and values align nicely with ours at Inside U. We care about people and the environment  and we love growing things! We also want to spread the excitement around growing healthy food and encourage children to grow things. They already have a natural enthusiasm and curiosity about the natural world and it’s so much fun to see their joy when their Plant a Seed bean plant starts to sprout! When kids feel the pride of growing healthy food, they are much more apt to eat them and appreciate them! It can start children and their parents on a journey to healthier and happier lifestyle.”

Erin’s enthusiasm for our Foundation and our common goals is infectious and we didn’t have to prod as she dove on in with more:

Erin Bott, Purchasing Manager of Inside U and dedicated volunteer of the Foundation, led the Plant a Seed-Read! story telling time at their store. 

 

“Personally, I was raised knowing how to grow a garden and to appreciate seeds and real food, but there is a shocking number of kids who just don’t have access or exposure to these things. So many of us take for granted all this knowledge and ability and it’s so awesome to be a part of a Foundation that can reach so many people. I have always loved nature and the calm that gardening can bring- it’s so important to be outside in the dirt. More kids should get to experience it and to grow up with a greater sense of respect for the earth (the importance of seed saving, growing food sustainably, etc.).”

 

 

 

Why You Should Get Involved Too

If you’re reading this (thank you for doing so!) you already know how rewarding your involvement in inspiring future generations will be. But here’s another big benefit – it makes good business sense! That’s right, when you join Plant a Seed & See What Grows in one of our causes, you reap the benefits of cause marketing. These include (but are not exclusive to):

• Building positive brand awareness as the community learns of your work in the neighbourhood
• Garnering positive attention to the good work of your business
• Attracting quality staff to your organization
• Increasing trust in your products and services while expanding your customer base

 There are many corporations who have integrated cause marketing in their business plans. A great example is Whole Earth & Sea, the organic, vegan and bioenergetic blend of supplements from Natural Factors. Whole Earth & Sea donates two dollars from each product sold to the Plant a Seed & See What Grows Foundation. Because of this marketing initiative and through the generosity of Roland Gahler, our founding patron, the Foundation has the capacity to do its work in creating opportunities for children to explore the outdoors and be inspired by the wonders of the natural world around them.

 

“The Whole Earth & Sea line is a success story, in part, because it links our corporate values of organic farming and plant-based nutrition to the mission of the Foundation. The market response for Whole Earth & Sea has been very rewarding in Canada and in the US.“ – Mike Hobson, President Factors Group of Companies

 

 

 

 

 

View more about the four key benefits of cause marketing as they apply to working with a Foundation such as ours.

As a charitable organization, we gratefully rely on the generous support of corporations and individuals which then allow us to do our work. Our special thanks also go to Dr. Gaetano Morello, BSc., ND, Mr. Kevin Russell and Mr. Robert Noel. We thank Natural Factors, Whole Earth & Sea, Inside U & CK Ingredients and all those who have given their time, talent and treasure for the many special ways they have supported the growth and impact of the Plant a Seed & See What Grows Foundation.

Learn how you can get involved with the Plant a Seed & See What Grows Foundation.