United Way of the Lower Mainland builds stronger communities

United Way of the Lower Mainland builds stronger communities

A diverse group of Surrey gardeners enjoyed fresh foods from the good earth at harvest time.

In June 2009 DIVERSEcity Community Resources Society and the City of Surrey officially opened a new Community Garden project at Hazelnut Meadow Park in Surrey.

United Way of the Lower Mainland donors are helping to fund the garden by supporting DIVERSEcity’s food security program.

DIVERSEcity is a community partner of United Way of the Lower Mainland. United Way contributed $42,000 to the agency's food security program in 2009. The food security program helps people living in poverty and includes the community garden, several community kitchens and food security advocacy activity.

Stop a moment to look and you’ll see world in this garden: Burmese, Asian and African immigrants and refugees tend plots side by side with local seniors and neighbourhood residents with support from DIVERSEcity staff. Participants are learning about fruits,vegetables and herbs suitable for a Canadian climate, organic gardening and composting, seed saving, and harvesting.

There is a growing exchange of learning between the newcomers and a welcoming community. Funke Ilumoka, originally from Nigeria, is among the African women in the garden. Funke is also a community kitchen program coordinator with DIVERSEcity. “I’m a city girl but going back to this is wonderful. There’s nothing like growing your own and knowing what’s gone into it and the process it has gone through to get to your table,” she says.