The Great Outdoors…a cure to all that ails us
2020 has been very stressful and challenging for most of us. The year certainly has not been what we expected or hoped for. Though the weather has not been the greatest, the stay at home orders throughout Ontario, across Canada and most of the world has been upsetting and possibly frightening. We have certainly had to rethink the time we do leave the house, curbside pickup, shopping for groceries and even walking on the street.
Businesses and services are slowly re-opening with various phases being implemented and protocol measures to ensure safety. I am hopeful we can soon get back to work, life and play and I feel positive that life will resume closely to what we had. The new normal for outdoor recreation will have to be modified and will be necessary for the time being. Social distancing, masks, frequent hand washing are actually good things to prevent the spread which may be lingering. These small steps will get us moving forward.
The good weather is finally here. The sun rays will shine on us and bring good cheer. What will absolutely make it better, is sharing the good cheer with others, especially those who need a little help now and then from their friends. The Community Outreach Garden is such a friend, and they need us to help get their new project off the ground. We in Ward 5 Cornell are very fortunate to have a perfect site for such a project. 1 acre of the 4 acre lot located in Cornell at White’s Hill and Bur Oak, owned by the Catholic Archdiocese, will be home to the 2nd Community Outreach Garden. This is a very exciting partnership for me, one where the lot will be maintained, residents will have an opportunity to grow their own vegetables and most importantly, produce will be shared with our friends and neighbours who need some support. What could be better?
Sow, grow and share. Community Outreach Garden (COG) are a not for profit group of volunteers who are supported by both Grace Anglican Church in Ward 4 on Parkway Ave and our own Ward 5 Blessed Frederic Ozanam Parish, temporarily located at Saint Brother Andre High School. The new site offers two opportunities, one for those who which an allotment for their family and one for those who wish to be caretakers of a plot for donation.
For allotment plots, COG is asking for a minimum donation of $25.00 to offset the costs and they hope to be able to issue a charitable tax receipt for donations of more than $25.00. For those paying for the allotment gardens, you will be responsible for your own seeds, plants, garden materials, and, at this point, water source. Whatever you grow is yours unless you choose to donate to the outreach initiative.
For caretakers of the outreach garden section, COG will provide plants or seeds and ask for volunteers to help plant and maintain the garden through the season. Volunteers will be asked to bring/wear face masks and gloves and provide their own gardening tools. All produce from this section will be donated to food banks, shelters, families in need.
The allotment garden plots are 10’x20′ and have 5′ between each plot. They have allowed for a 15′ border around the edge of each garden area and a larger accessway down the middle of the property. Strict protocols to comply with public health guidelines for community gardens will be enforced. COG will be asking everyone who wants to garden or volunteer to sign an acknowledgement that they agree to abide by these guidelines. Safety is the number one priority and key to a successful Community Garden.
Please consider being apart of this amazing initiative.
We have been making a difference in the lives of so many Front Line workers, Health Care professionals, our seniors and more with the donations, meals, and parades of support since the pandemic first hit us. This is one more way we can spread the love of sharing.
IMPORTANT DATES TO NOTE:
Saturday May 30th (time to be advised) – Planting at Community Outreach Garden Grace Church, 19 Parkway Ave
Saturday June 6th 9:00am – Blessing and Opening Community Outreach Garden at Bur Oak Ave and White’s Hill Ave
Saturday June 6th and Saturday June 6th 10:00am until 4:00pm – Scheduled planting in the BFO garden at Bur Oak Ave and White’s Hill Ave
For more information contact the amazing team at Community Outreach Gardens.
Let’s help take care of our neighbours and friends, spend some time outside and feel the satisfaction of growing a garden. Join Community Outreach Garden, sign up for a plot to enjoy and share healthy locally grown produce. Social distancing is their first priority and safety measures will be in place to ensure everyone remains healthy and well. For more information or to jump right in, use the following link to get started:
We look forward to seeing you at the Garden!