The Neighbourhood Small Grant was beneficial in transforming a shared vision into a living, thriving community garden. With the support of this grant, we were able to purchase high-quality soil, seeds, tools, and essential gardening supplies that laid the foundation for a healthy and productive growing space. These resources removed a major financial barrier and allowed us to focus our energy on community connection, learning, and care for the land.
The garden quickly became more than a place to grow food. It evolved into a gathering space rooted in reciprocity—between people, plants, and the natural cycles that sustain us. People of all ages came together to prepare the soil, plant seedlings, tend beds, and share knowledge. The act of working side by side fostered a sense of belonging and collective stewardship, strengthening relationships within the community. Even the kids participated from the time of planting to harvesting and perserving.
A particularly meaningful outcome of the grant was our ability to host outdoor canning workshops. Using produce grown directly from the garden, these workshops created hands-on opportunities to learn food preservation skills, reduce food waste, and build confidence in self-sufficiency. Participants shared stories, recipes, and cultural traditions, turning the workshops into rich intergenerational learning experiences. Holding these sessions outdoors, surrounded by the garden itself, deepened participants’ connection to the food system from soil to jar.
The garden now stands as a beautiful, productive space that reflects shared values of care, sustainability, and mutual support. It continues to provide fresh food, educational opportunities, and a place for quiet reflection and joyful collaboration. The neighbourhood small grant reached a number of people and taught more than we had imagined. Its impact extends far beyond physical supplies—it helped cultivate resilience, community pride, and a living example of what can grow when resources are invested locally and intentionally.
