Community Garden Project Even Greener - December 2011

Young Professionals of Nanaimo recently received some green to make its community garden project even greener, thanks to some enthusiast community organizations.

 

The organization today announced it received financial grants from TD Friends of the Environment Foundation and Mountain Equipment Co-op, along with in-kind donations from the City of Nanaimo to fund phase two of the YPN Community Gardens. YPN received$5,000 from TD and $2,000 from Mountain Equipment Co-op.

 

“We are very pleased with the recent contributions,” said Jenn Bogwald, YPN Community Garden Coordinator. ”The money will help ensure the continued growth and maintenance of the YPN Gardens. To date we've received a number of in-kind donations of materials and many people have offered volunteer hours.”

 

Phase two of the project, which will begin in early 2012, will include building additional beds for community members, building a gazebo for educational purposes, building a semi-permanent sign on each site that would identify the gardens and building a shed for tools, seeds, volunteer materials and a first-aid kit. The project will also include the completion of ground cover and site improvements.

 

“We are honoured to support the expansion of this innovative community project started by Young Entrepreneurs of Nanaimo,” said Kiran Parhar, Branch Manager, TD Canada Trust Port Place in Nanaimo. “TD recognizes the importance of investing in our community and supporting organizations that improve the local environment.”

 

Mountain Equipment Co-op contributed $2,000 from their Urban Sustainability Grant. The grants are organized by each store and the YPN Community Gardens was selected amongst six applicants and coordinated by Stephanie Sketchley who is the administrator assistant and outreach coordinator of the Victoria MEC store.

 

"This year we received six proposals, we selected three winners this year, with two full grants and one partial. It's a great way to include staff in the decision making process and create awareness of local community initiatives. The Compost Education Society of Victoria andSustainable Living and Urban Gardening(SLUGS) Skills for Youth received the other full grant and the other partial grant went to the Cordova Bay School for their community garden project.

 

The City of Nanaimo has provided the YPN Community Gardens with in-kind support of municipal services, which allow the gardens to operate. The YPN and Community Gardens appreciate the support of the staff at the City of Nanaimo.

 

The YPN Community Gardens are in winter mode now and there are still garden beds available for individual and corporate sponsorship. For more information on how you can get involved with the YPN community Gardens please e-mail gardens@ypnanaimo.com.