Now that many of the projects that received funding from the Neighbourhood Matching Fund have begun to take shape, we’ll be posting updates on how they’re doing and the progress they’ve made. First up, Sunnydale community garden.
Volunteers building garden plots at the community garden work day
Sunnydale began a community garden back in 2000, and it’s been a huge success. As a multicultural community the garden is a great way for people to learn about each other’s background and try new foods. The garden has been such a success, in fact, that the neighbourhood association applied for funding to expand and beautify their garden space. By the spring, they will have added 10 new plots as well as paths in between the plots.
In November they had their first garden work day to build the new garden plots. Bill McFaddin, the garden coordinator, said that over 20 volunteers came out to help, despite it being a chilly November day! He wrote, “Most of our gardeners were there plus an assortment of young and old experienced and novice gardeners from the surrounding community. Everyone worked hard and we are very pleased with what we accomplished that afternoon.”
He also mentioned that many people have seen the new gardens and expressed interest in learning how to garden. This shows that even though the gardens haven’t been finished yet, and even though food hasn’t been planted, people are already connecting over the new garden spaces. It also shows that this project brings people together from different cultural backgrounds and generations, which are two components of building healthy and diverse communities.
Sunnydale is matching funding received from the NMF through volunteer hours and some materials.
To read more about the Sunnydale community centre, community building, and advocacy, click here.
Way to go, Sunnydale! We can’t wait to see the finished product in the spring.
Waterloo Neighbourhood Matching Fund: Sparks 