A few exciting events have been happening at our collective garden recently, the “Garden of Hope”, to help close the eventful summer. Our first collective garden at the West Island Assistance Fund has been extremely successful and has helped bring together members of the community through the love of healthy food and living.
BBQ – August 20, 2021
The first of the exciting events took place on August 20th. A BBQ was held at the garden for the employees and volunteers of the WIAF. Mr. Dimitrios (Jim) Beis, the Mayor of the borough of Pierrefonds-Roxboro, Mr. Benoit Langevin the City Councilor of the district of Bois-de-Liesse and Mrs. Louise Leroux the Borough Councilor of the district of Bois-de-Liesse were all friendly visitors of the event.
BBQ – September 18, 2021
The second event at the “Garden of Hope” happened on September 18th to celebrate the closing of the first season and all that was accomplished with our members. A barbecue was organized but this time all of the members of the garden were invited including single parent families who had registered for the first season of the garden. All volunteers and employees of WIAF were also invited to come together and make memories under the sun.
Several organizations we work with including, Projet Communautaire de Pierrefonds (PCP), Centre de ressources communautaires de l’Ouest-de-Île (CRC), Partage-Action de l’Ouest-de-l’Île, Action jeunesse de l’Ouest-de-l’Île (AJOI), VertCité were also present.
A few politicians including Carlos J. Leitão, Sameer Zuberi, Alex Bottausci, Louise Leroux and Catherine Clément-Talbot also showed up to the occasion.
Residents of Roxboro and firemen also showed up for the fun times!
A big Thank You goes to La boutique du café Tazza di Mattina for their delicious coffee and biscotti!
Overall, there was a grand total of 90 people at the barbecue made up from adults and children that came together to support and come together with the community. Juicy burgers, hot dogs, corn and refreshing drinks were all shared under the shining sun with smiling faces!
There were also beautiful gifts for all the children.
We would like to send a huge thanks to all of our lovely volunteers who let this wonderful event happen!
Most of all, thank you to all the Members who visited and participated, over the summer, in the activities and the maintenance of the garden and who were able to benefit from healthy fresh vegetables at each of their visits.
The first season of the garden was an amazing success and we can’t wait for its return next year. We look forward to seeing you in 2022 for a second season!
We can’t wait to see all of your lovely faces again and share some nutritious hand-grown food. Food that is grown by the community, for the community!
More information regarding the return of the “Garden of Hope” will be updated during the following winter months so stay updated and we thank you so much for your support!
