Vaughan Community Garden Encourages 'Growing to Give'

June 1, 2011 10:00 a.m.

The City of Vaughan is partnering 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.

The ‘Growing to Give’ pilot project provides residents with the opportunity to grow vegetables in a community setting, and hands-on education about gardening and cooking their own food. Volunteers are encouraged to donate a portion of what they grow to a community agency or family in need. The project was launched June 1 at Fire Station #7-1 in Thornhill.

“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.”

Seeds For Change is a grassroots community organization that encourages healthier communities through school and community gardens. The organization is providing a coordinator to manage the day-to-day activities of the garden. The initial idea for a community garden came from Jacob Dabit, a Vaughan firefighter who worked at Fire Station #7-1.

“This initiative addresses a number of key objectives in Green Directions Vaughan, the City’s Environmental and Sustainability Master Plan,” said City Manager Clayton Harris. “It builds on our goal to be responsible stewards of our community, taking actions that enhance both our natural and built environments.”

The second year of the pilot project will focus on creating additional gardens at other fire stations. For more information or to volunteer, call Lynne Koss at 647-932-5033 or visit http://seedsforchangegardens.org.



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