GET GROWING IN THE YEAR OF THE GARDEN - JUNE 2022

Help keep students’ passion for learning alive by volunteering in a school garden.

2022 is the Year of the Garden in Canada, and while many Campbell River residents are looking to get growing, there is a waitlist for beds in community gardens. On the other hand, there are many vibrant school gardens that staff struggle to find volunteers to tend to, especially during school holidays. School District 72, Greenways Land Trust and the City of Campbell River have come together this year to match volunteers with school gardens to help make the Year of the Garden the greatest growing season yet.

“I started the Carihi garden in 2015 with a dream of having a space for students to learn where food comes from and to compost food scraps and reduce our impact on the landfill,” said Jessica Mann, Culinary Arts instructor at Carihi Secondary School. “I am always looking for volunteers to help maintain the garden in the summer months and seasoned experts who can share their knowledge to improve the garden productivity.”

Volunteers will have access to a garden and fresh produce that they may not have gotten through traditional community garden programs due to high demand. They will also have the opportunity to assist teachers and students with their gardening skills and help shape the minds of the next generation of gardeners.

“Council is committed to increasing the amount of food grown locally and growing a strong agriculture sector,” says Mayor Andy Adams. “Promoting school gardens and getting community members involved supports locally grown produce and food security. Building the basics with today’s youth will lay a foundation for agriculture in Campbell River to prosper tomorrow.”

“Pairing gardeners with school gardens is a win-win situation,” says Katie Lavoie, the Greenways Land Trust Community Engagement Coordinator. “Those looking for a garden plot can help in school gardens, take home produce, and ensure that the plants are healthy when school starts up in the fall.”

Interested persons must register as volunteers to participate in this program. Volunteers can indicate their availability, skillsets and preferred location. Teachers will then arrange to meet the volunteer and start the onboarding and garden process. A clear criminal record check (vulnerable populations) is required.

To register, visit http://bitly.ws/sgDR. 

### 

Contact: Linda Nagle, Program Coordinator | 250-923-7911 | linda.nagle@campbellriver.ca