We had our NSG Kirkland Street Garden Party gathering on Kirkland Street in July 2025. As Blockwatch Captain, I felt that the neighbours on my street need to gather again and get more familiar with each other. We had a couple of new neighbours who moved into our neighbourhood we’d like to meet. I distributed poster flyers to each house so it includes neighbours who are not computer literate. There were 28 households invited to attend and all of them were delighted to receive the invitation. With email and phone communication, the neighbours were excited and happy that we can get together in our block. My family and I had challenges with time to not only prepare signs, balloons, finding a barricades to close our street but also organizing and planning the potluck party and sourcing neighbours who have table, chairs, canopies and food. A neighbour stepped up and assisted with gathering the plantable pots and soil so that every person on the block could have a plant to care for and grow. This is sustainable and to teach the children about plant life and how to grow one.
As this year’s funding from Neighbourhood Small Grant was much less this year, I had the huge challenge in getting funds from local businesses to cover some extra food costs for 60+ people. Luckily, I received small funds from Safeway, Superstore, Starbucks and London Drugs. Other neighbours also assisted in help set up and serve food to the large group of people. I was so grateful of their generosity and their time.
Two weeks before the NSG Kirkland Garden Party, the seeds that were in the pots were not growing. We had to go to plan B which was to ask other neighbours for help. Luckily, we had two neighbours graciously donated their baby zinnias, lettuce and tomato plants. It wouldn’t be a garden party without plants.
Another challenge I had last year was the Vancouver Fire Rescue did not show up. It’s possible they had an emergency and not able to come. This year, I made sure that nothing could go wrong. I visited the fire hall and spoke with the fire chief. He was happy to help us and took a copy of my event poster. I followed the online city form and received confirmation that they will come.
On the day of the event, the weather was very breezy. All the balloons that were put up had blown away by noon. There was a large event at Central Park and we were smart to close off the street early to prevent cars from parking up our street. The street closure permit did not cost us anything. We were lucky to borrow barricades from another neighbour. By noon, everything was set up ready for lunch and to socialize. At 1 pm sharp, the Vancouver Fire Rescue arrived. They stayed for 1 hour of showing their equipment and demonstration of their fire truck ladder. It was incredible. Every fireman carries about 120 lbs of equipment on their backs and then climbs up the tall ladder that reaches over the roof tops of our houses. As time went on, I was a surprise to see more neighbours outside our block crashing into our party. Everyone arrived to enjoy our wonderful potluck lunch together. Connections were revisited and I felt people enjoyed the event. We also had door prizes given out which were generously donated from VPD Block watch and a few Kirkland Street neighbours. The Neighbourhood Small Grant allowed us to purchase food and some supplies to share.
There were a couple of neighbours that did not participate but we hope that they can join us next time. Thank you Neighbourhood Small Grant for the opportunity to apply and receive the grant. Currently, neighbours are becoming more familiar with each other and we are happy that we don’t need to be strangers with each other.
