Testimonials from our Supporters during the Off-Grid Greenhouse Campaign
Certified as verbatim community support testimonials by Lanark members of our community. Taken from the Commonwell LEAF grant site in December of 2021
Cliff Neudorf
Chair of the Board
The South Lanark Community Garden
_____________________________________________________
November 11, 2021
Submitted by Ramsey Hart
The Table Community Food Centre is excited to be collaborating with the South Lanark Community Garden and are really hopeful this project goes forward. It would be a great addition to an already great initiative. It will improve the resiliency and sustainability of the garden and increase the positive impact it has on surrounding communities in a really significant way
November 2, 2021
Submitted by Pamela Feres
A wonderful support lo the community. I volunteered there to weed the garden in the past. There are lots of vegetables. Lots of people around to help support you with weeding and questions. The operations are run very well and many get food they need! If the growing season was extended with these greenhouses and off grid solar that would be so supportive to many in our community for food
November 2, 2021
Submitted by Molly Forsythe
I grew seedlings for the garden last spring. It required transporting in early spring to go under the grow lights. This grant would make growing seedlings much more straightforward. It seems like sure a great grant for our community.
November 2, 2021
Submitted by Linda Russell
Thanks exclusively to the Community Garden, I resurrected my almost-lost interest in, and ability to, preserve fresh produce. Because of the abundance of fresh vegetables that were readily available to the community at large, and to us as volunteers, 1 was inspired to pull out pickling recipes that I'd not used in almost 50 years! As a result, I now have a larder well-stocked with pickled beets, dill pickles, salsa and the VERY best bread and butter pickles. I also made and froze soups of all kinds: absolutely delicious squash and grilled green pepper soup; fennel and fish soup; hearty vegetable soup; velvety carrot soup..... and the list goes on. In addition, I prepared and froze a vast assortment of vegetables that will do us well into the winter. I.e.: beets and beet greens; stewed tomatoes; green beans; stuffed green peppers; stuffed zucchini, etc. In fact, it makes my mouth water just thinking about it all. And I am just one person. My story is only about the bounty me and my family can enjoy. The Community Garden provides fresh, healthy, delicious and abundant vegetables - all FREE - to members of our community and to the local food pantries. We are fortunate, indeed, to have such an amazing group of dedicated people working tirelessly to keep the garden going. Any and all monetary support that Commonwell L.E.A.F. can offer to the Garden, will enable the team to produce and distribute even more produce to the community we live in. I thank you in advance for considering the submission.
November 2, 2021
Submitted by Kate Lunn
I have been living in Lanark for 3 years now and just recently got my g2. As soon as I did I started helping at the garden with my daughter. She is under 2 years old so I wear her while I work. _And recently brought my 6 year old son to help plant garlic! We have learned so much from everyone there and made more friends than I ever thought. It is such an amazing community and everyone is trying to help as many as they can in any way they can. They absolutely deserve all the help they can get so more can be done to help others as well
November 2, 2021 Submitted by James
This is very important to the south Lanark community garden, and for the surrounding community because it would help us start a larger quantity of seedlings earlier in the year for a larger outcome of fresh produce for the community. A real greenhouse would protect the seedlings from the harsh weather in the early months of the year, so they can grow to their full potential. The solar setup would provide the seedlings with grow lights and heat so they may thrive. A water reservoir would save a great deal of effort from pumping water from the nearby river to the hole garden. This would be very appreciated from all who help out with the garden and everyone that has helped out
November 2, 2021
Submitted by Sylvia Gagnon
I have been volunteering at the South Lanark Community Garden for the past 3 years and I know that an off grid greenhouse, solar, water reservoir would be so useful and a great addition to the garden, making the task of growing so many seedlings much easier, efficient and economical. The operation of the garden involves the community, young, and old, not only volunteering to share the work load but also as a learning project for young students about the importance of growing our own food naturally and safely, but also serves as a social activity, especially during the pandemic. It got children and young adults outdoors in the fresh air, who otherwise would have been stuck indoors Of course safety protocols were followed and we were outdoors in the field with lots of space. I know for a fact that many young families would not have enjoyed and shared fresh, healthy produce if it wasn't for the South Lanark Community Garden because of the rising cost of food. Pumpkins were donated to the Lanark Public Library and the Lanark elementary schools for pumpkin carving so many different varieties of squash and other vegetables were enjoyed at many Thanksgiving dinners from the garden. Produce is donated to the Food Banks where the need has recently increased and also taken to the Library for anyone interested, Lanark Highlands Plan B has been so instrumental in teaching and sharing the operation of preserving the harvest as in canning, dehydrating, fermenting, etc. another great social activity while learning, at no cost to the participants and open to all. Each year the garden looks at ways to improve and find avenues to distribute and get the fresh produce to those in need.
November 2, 2021
Submitted by Dylan
I taught a lesson on composting to children that attended the youth program. A greenhouse like this would be an amazing addition to the garden, Not only would it greatly increase the capacity for produce for the community, but it would also be another educational experience for the children attending the youth programs
November 2, 2021
Submitted by Armida Sawan
The Lanark Highlands community garden is a wonderful place. It's truly a community garden where everyone works on one big garden and the produce is distributed to the community at large. It’s a great pillar in our community.
November 2, 2021 Submitted by Kirsten
I only started volunteering with the garden this past growing season and every time I visit or talk to tile other volunteers I learn so many wonderful things about the garden and the community it supports. It would be amazing to see the solar project come to life. I can't even imagine how much more it would help the community.
November 2, 2021
Submitted by Amanda Emon
The community garden helps bring our community together. There is only good food, an attentive ear if you need it and love shared when you pick up a good basket from them. Also they made it affordable and easy to access safe, healthy, nutritious food during each of the lockdowns here. Without this group of amazing people many in our area could have gone hungry, thankfully they didn't have to. No one has been turned away from receiving support and a full belly - including my own family. I have always supported this group and I hope to be able to continue to support their projects to make our home that much better!
November 2, 2021
Submitted by Lina Emon
The South Lanark Community Garden is a part of the heart of the community. It offers the opportunity to nurture the love of gardening while empowering participants with the skills required to raise their own produce and then enjoy the bounty of their work. The garden fosters community and resourcefulness
November 2, 2021 Submitted by Zoia
We recently moved to the area and have heard so many great things about the community garden. I can't wait to experience it firsthand. It warms my heard to hear and read each story and can't wait to make our own.
November 2, 2021 Submitted by Angie S.
The South Lanark Community Garden by growing, producing, and distributing fresh food to our community provides an invaluable resource to those who need it most. Nothing but great things to say about this initiative. This orgm1ization deserves some help!
November 2, 2021
Submitted by Heather B.-F.
This garden initiative creates benefits that extend to encouraging gardeners not directly active in the community garden. It creates a hub of information on how to produce significant amounts of food tor families. With food insecurity, concerns over viable energy production, and unpredictable weather patterns it is very important that localized water and energy capture be in place. Not only would this community venture benefit from receiving the grant but the wider community would be able to see and realize the benefits of using this technology
November 2, 2021
Submitted by Debra Cox
The community garden provides produce for many local support groups such as Plan B which in turn do many canning and preserving and distributing of the fruits of their labour. It also provides local youth the opportunity to do community hours for their schooling and learn valuable lessons on how to grow and look alter a garden so valuable!
November 2, 2021
Submitted by Susan Berlin
This is an absolutely wonderful project proposed by a proven organization that has enormous community support and embodies the idea of local food security. I'm kind of too old to a lot of the hard work that so many volunteers provide, but I have grown seedling plants for them and l had a chance to see the ingenuity that goes into making every penny of their funds count. This project has it all: improving the local good-food supply, using alternative power, offering volunteer opportunities and training in a critical area and having the ability to spread the word about all those things in the community.
November 3, 2021
Submitted by Hanifa
Heck Yes, this wonderful grant would benefit The South Lanark Community Gardens. Just recently I was told that we are expanding our gardens to grow. feed and help out other programs in our community. We just received approval that we are going to be a Non-profit organization which means 'Us' the dedicated volunteers from our community are willing to volunteer our time, strength and services to make this garden happen. I'm thrilled to be part of the The South Lanark Community Gardens enjoying the fact that are knowledge base of gardening are educating the young and old, in turn starting our own gardens to share our bounty with family and friends. When I go there and volunteer my time, I'm a kid in a candy store.
November 2, 2021
Submitted by Cynthia Edward's
I have known about this organization since it's beginning and have watched it grow and gain community support and involvement. It is leading the way for Lanark County to seriously address community hunger and food security, educate of our youth and provide important skills training• and create a local food system not dependent on the price of oil and the political insanity of the world around us. Given the fact that Canada imports more food than it produces, especially during half the year in winter, this self-reliant greenhouse that produces it's own electricity is ESSENTIAL for creating local food security and independence. It will also become a model and an inspiration for others in the region to follow. IT DOESN'T GET ANY BETTER THAN THIS!!!!
November 3, 2021
Submitted by Sherene
This is such a worthwhile community effort that South Lanark Community Garden deserves to have. A greenhouse would definitely help start the seedlings that are used to plant in this large garden and would be so beneficial so that the volunteers can start growing produce in a larger capacity.
November 3, 2021
Submitted by Gayda Errett
This.is. an urgent and much needed project. Growing food within our community will alleviate importing it from countries thousands of kilometres away. Further reducing the energy costs. Hopefully, more communities will undertake this project.
November 3, 2021
Submitted by Rebecca
Having a local people with the goal of producing fresh healthy food with a small environmental footprint is the ultimate goal for all communities. These projects are what we need to promote and support. Truly thankful for the efforts currently being put towards this. Looking forward to see the progression.
November 3, 2021
Submitted by Laurie
Children and parents gather in the South Lanark Community Garden to learn how to grow food for the community. With a mission to motivate community building with an objective of sustainable food network this grass roots initiative offers rich experiential learning for all ages: From restorative communication opportunities, garden produce distribution to community hubs, providing options for community to exercise healthy lifestyle options and outdoor education. This garden network is an exemplary model for extracurricular learning in the outdoor classroom.
November 3, 2021
Submitted by Allie
My boyfriend and I received some delicious zucchini's and tomatoes this summer. They were very much appreciated! This is such a lovely organization and I hope to see it continue.
November 4, 2021
Submitted by Tim Mills
I am 39 and suffer from very aggressive MS, and now I am wheelchair-bound; because of the fatigue, I am no longer able to garden anymore, something that used to bring me so much nourishment, not only for my soul but my body. This summer, I had the pleasure of meeting the gentleman who runs this community garden. He not only offered me fresh vegetables, sometimes that can seem like a luxury for someone receiving ODSP, but he also took the time to bring them right to my doorstep. I, for one, know who much this garden is becoming a vital part of this community. I would love to nominate it for this grant to keep this community garden going for many years to come.
November 4, 2021 Submitted by Gary Glover
This is such a great idea. It builds so many good things in our community to have functional and growing community gardens. I lived in England and Holland for a period of time and saw there the immense good that community gardens bring, from food security through learning about our connection to nature and other people. I am privileged to have my own gardens and firmly believe that it is the best physical and mental health, prophylactic available. As a mental health counsellor, I often talk to people about the benefit they find in gardening (and eating good food!) and love the idea of making this accessible to people who don't have their own garden, or access to home grown food, or perhaps the knowledge and experience of gardening.
November 4, 2021
Submitted by Evelyn Jones
I spent my 2021 summer working al The South Lanark Community Garden. This was an amazing opportunity for me to develop skills, knowledge, and form relationships with some really interesting people. My job was to take care of the garden by weeding, planting, mowing lawns, harvesting produce, showing people where they could help or what food they could collect and much more. I was taught lots of information about plants and bees that I did not know and I learned many important skills like, how to produce my own food, how to care for a garden, how to get rid of pests without the use of pesticides, etc. There were many times when people would come to volunteer, collect food and share their experiences with growing1their own produce. The sense of community I felt when coming to my job everyday was amazing and the hard working people who contribute to the garden are remarkable. All of the hard work contributed by everyone resulted in so much produce which helped many people in the community. I loved contributing to this community garden and will continue to come either work or volunteer.
November 4, 2021
Submitted by Mona Sweeney
I think this would be an awesome way to keep fresh food on the tables in homes that don't have the opportunity to grow their own. This would be absolutely perfect for South Lanark community to get a grant for a green house
November 5, 2021
Submitted by Sarah C.
My 12-year old daughter attended the youth program with the South Lanark Community Garden. It was a great way for her to learn more about gardening and also it was an activity she could do with her grandmother, who lives in Lanark. I strongly support this initiative and I think that the growth to expand their operations with a green house and water reservoir would not only help their goals of serving the community, but it would also provide an awesome opportunity for the youth involved in the summer program to learn more about these green initiatives!
November 5, 2021
Submitted by Summer MacDonald
This community garden provides much needed food security and education to the people of Lanark and surrounding areas. I highly support their growth, and expansion to be able to do more.
November 6, 2021
Submitted by Nick DaSilva
Producing fresh produce all year round locally is an amazing thing! All towns should have facilities like this that can grow food all year. The more produce you eat the healthier you are, reducing all forms of mortality.
November 6, 2021
Submitted by Sheila Macdonald
I am so happy about this community food garden project. I've been growing food for 20 years and know how rewarding it is to feed my family and friends. I also know that a real greenhouse and a reliable water supply can stimulate some dramatic rises in productivity. Producing so much healthy food for so many people is an amazing, feat in just a few short years. Food security is an ambitious goal but one that's within our reach here in Lanark. The South Lanark Community Garden Project is a project that is definitely worth supporting.
November 6, 2021
Submitted by Gord Harrison
This project is the heartwood of a healthy, resilient, inclusive community. It is a critical component to a vital Lanark and so right for this lime of climate crisis. Smart. Great idea. Good luck!
November 6, 2021
Submitted by Amanda Robinson
This project would be an absolutely wonderful and beneficial project for our community. The South Lanark Community Garden does so much partnering with, other local organizations and we are certain the benefits would extend beyond just this one organization. Please consider this request.
November 6, 2021
Submitted by Krista Marks-Cleroux
Our son was a youth volunteer for the garden this year He is passionate about creating a supportive community for those in need and is a great lover of the outdoors so the garden is a perfect fit. He learned so much about sustainable gardening and with covid having isolated his world, volunteering connected him to a community which was really important for his mental health. He loved bringing home some harvest for our family to enjoy and felt proud to be part of it.
November 7, 2021
Submitted by Maryam
Last winter we started cabbage and kale seeds for the community garden from the kits they provided. It was a wonderful experience and when we heard about the youth program my sister and I decided to join. We got to learn to identify native plants such as sweet grass and catnip. We did art as well we made leaf prints with ink on fabric. We also got to harvest vegetables and take them home with us. We made delicious cabbage rolls with homemade tomato sauce and garden vegetables and noodles for stuffing. We got to learn about the plants in the garden, what insects are out to eat the plants and if they are perennial or annual, I hope that next spring, the program will continue with the fun activities. The South Lanark community garden deserves all the help it can get because it impacts our community positively. Also kids like us can enjoy outdoor activities and spend time in nature while producing food locally.
November 8, 2021 Submitted by Derfael
I've participated in the youth program for the past 2 years, and I've really enjoyed how relaxing and informative it is, and I think that a large scale greenhouse would be really useful for extending our growing season.
November 9, 2021
Submitted by Launa LaChapelle Moore
My son participated in the Youth Program this past summer and loved it. What started out as a way to get outside and earn volunteer hours turned into a passion for gardening, a wonderful sense of community, new friends and a love of doing things for others. He is excited to return next year. The wonderful people at The South Lanark Community Garden work so hard to give back to our community and these upgrades would be so beneficial to them.
November 9,,2021
Submitted by Bill salter
Having the opportunity to be part of the South Lanark Community Garden, watching it growing over the years being able to produce more vegetables each year to have a greenhouse available for use would be endless opportunities for the community
November 10, 2021 Submitted by Kim Melnyk
What a wonderful project! Locally grown food to help those in our communities and surrounding areas is so needed. Covid lockdowns put many family's food availability in jeopardy, Not to mention the people who were not getting enough food even before the pandemic Much needed project indeed!
November 10, 2021
Submitted by Roy & Suzette MacSkimming
This is a tremendous project a community garden that not only provides healthy natural produce to residents who need it, but does so in an environmentally responsible and sustainable way. This is a project that has already proven its worth, effectiveness and efficiency. Helping the South Lanark Community Garden to expand its services with renewable energy through a LEAF grant will contribute meaningfully to a healthier community and ecosystem. Roy and Suzette MacSkimming
November 10, 2021
Submitted by David Alexander Hinks
This is the kind of visionary/ imaginative project that we need if the planet is going to wean itself from destructive commercial agriculture to a people/community centered way of growing healthy food
November 10, 2021
Submitted by Joanne Frances Earl
The greenhouse would be such a great asset for the volunteers producing fresh vegetables in the South Lanark Community Garden. I've heard about the good work that has been done and they certainly deserve such an asset to help their work.
November 11, 2021
Submitted by Ramsey Hart
The Table Community Food Centre is excited to be collaborating with the South Lanark Community Garden and are really hopeful this project goes forward. It would be a great addition to an already great initiative. It will improve the resiliency and sustainability of the garden and increase the positive impact it has on surrounding communities in a really significant way
November 11, 2021
Submitted by Ian
What Cliff, Donna and all the volunteers have been to accomplish is simply astounding. To think that without their tireless contributions, many families may have been forced to go another route to feed themselves. The commitment they show by continuously providing for the surrounding community, is proof positive that they care about people and their wellbeing. Have never met nicer more kind and genuine people in my life.
November 11, 2021
Submitted by Dana Cote
I know the people who have started this initiative. It has served a community far reaching with great heart. So many people have been impacted by their efforts so far and the addition of a greenhouse would help so much. I especially appreciate the programs they have implemented for the local youth.
November 13, 2021
Submitted by Jan Griffiths
I have had some difficulty opening this doc only because my phone is ancient and so is my laptop. But success today. I hope that my comments will help support this initiative in spite of it being past the deadline. The Community Garden has been a labour of love and vision for the community for many years. In spite of the many challenges of a reliable water source, effective transplanting and growing seedlings and a difficult labour intensive planting, weeding and harvesting. But even with all of these challenges the community understands the need for secure food sources. A place where farmers and gardeners can share their wealth of knowledge to educate the community and especially the next generation to grow their own food responsibly. The success of the community garden is because of the many volunteers who work very hard to create this endeavour. If indeed they had the proper resources such as an off the grid greenhouse, with a solar electrical supply with storage system and a water reservoir they will not only simplify the labour intensity of a garden this size but will in turn implement it in a environmentally responsible way. This project has the health and wellbeing of a whole community now and for generations to come.
November 10, 2021 Janice Reid
Growing food locally and sustainably! What could be better? Such a worthwhile project.
November 5, 2021 Emily Pearlman
Not only is this an important project for South Lanark, it also has the potential to become a model that other groups in the County can learn from
November 5, 2021 Timothy
A much needed resource in our area. I support this initiative!
November 5, 2021 Catherine Lépine
This greenhouse would be awesome to extend the growing season and help our small community to be self sufficient with regards to produce. Wonderful idea!
November 4, 2021 Alice Allgayer
That is a wonderful project and it will be beneficial to all the community. We need fresh and reliable products like yours.
November 4, 2021 Vanessa Da Silva
This is amazing! It should be mandatory in every community! It is vital for the health of the community, environment, and planet!
November 4, 2021 Sandy Anderson
Great for the community, economy and the environment.
November 4, 2021 Tifany Erdelyi
This would be so great for our community
November 4, 2021 Devon
Amazing!!!!
November 3, 2021 April
A beautiful project that really supports our community. They are absolutely deserving of a grant
November 3, 2021 Diane David
My family has benefited from these tasty vegetables on many occasions, this is such an asset to our community.
November 3, 2021 Lauren Kerkhoff
A greenhouse for our community would help so much. Fresh fruit and vegetables are extremely important for a healthy diet
November 3, 2021 Karen R
I think it’s great to be able to grow & give to your local community. It’s even more important in these tough financial times.
November 3, 2021 Nina Stefansdottir
They help so much in our community
November 3, 2021 Tom Shoebridge
Lanark area desperately needs help feeding all of its people, and this would inspire other innovations.
November 3, 2021 Alexandra Kaye
The South Lanark Community Garden Project will take our hardworking community farm to the next level where more food can be grown. and shared by more people
November 2, 2021 Dianne
This is absolutely a worthwhile project that will assist in the production of essential food for this committed garden growing community here in Lanark.
November 2, 2021 Barbara Flynn
This is so important! Any initiative to get off electricity is great; when it produces more food, that`s over the top.
November 2, 2021 Tom A Marcantonio
Plan B Community Farm, besides growing a lot of food for needy families, focuses on knowledge transfer to, and skills development for young people
November 2, 2021 Barbara Flynn
The people are fantastic. The amount of food produced keeps so many fed. Any further help in growing more food would be such a bonus to the community at large.
November 2, 2021 Karla
Good food for a great community! Excellent program, excellent outreach.