Growing to Give Community Garden
In 2011, the City of Vaughan partnered with Seeds for Change and York Region Food Network on a two-year community garden pilot project at Vaughan Fire and Rescue Service Station #7-1, 835 Clark Ave. W., Vaughan, ON (map). The initial idea for a community garden came from Jacob Dabit, a Vaughan firefighter who worked at Fire Station #7-1.
For several years now, the ‘Growing to Give’ project has been a true community garden success, providing residents with the opportunity to grow vegetables in a community setting, and gain hands-on education about gardening and cooking their own food. The garden volunteers have generously donated portions of their harvest to community organizations and individuals in need. In 2013, the garden volunteers donated over 100 kilograms of organic produce!
“Community gardens provide healthy produce for residents, beautify our neighbourhoods and help create a greater connection with our natural environment,” said Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua. “The Growing to Give project is also a living example of the City’s commitment to sustainability, and gives our residents the opportunity to take a hands-on approach to improving the City’s quality of life.”
Read more about the Growing to Give garden successes:
- Growing to Give Garden Case Study
- Behind a Vaughan fire hall, a community garden grows food for the needy
Toronto Star, June 21, 2013 - Vaughan community garden grows friendships along with the vegetables
Toronto Star, July 11, 2013 - Thornhill community garden attracts teen volunteers
Toronto Star, July 26, 2013 - Thornhill community garden is a model for the future
Toronto Star, Sept 26, 2013