by: Joey Ou
August 5, 2023 marked a productive and spirited gathering at Green Care Farms. On this occasion, the Kindred Credit Union Centre for Peace Advancement (CPA) and the Conrad Grebel University College communities participated in a Green Care Farms Community Day. Through transformative therapeutic gardening programs, Green Care Farms nurtures a sense of purpose and belonging among individuals with dementia. This goal resonates with the CPA's mission of fostering collaborative, interdisciplinary, and community-centered peacemaking.
Green Care Farms is within the expanse of Andrews Farm Market and Winery in Milton, a breathtaking 165-acre farm. The organization’s approach emphasizes healthy living, sustainability, and ecological awareness. Green Care Farms is a participant in the Grebel Peace Incubator, where the CPA provides support, community, mentorship, funding, and space for them to work and connect with other organizations. Green Care Farms' innovative stance in supporting individuals with dementia extends beyond gardening; it is also an inclusive space to find meaningful connections between nature and community. Both the CPA and Green Care Farms create a collaborative setting for communities to come together to make the world a better place.
From nurturing plants in the therapeutic gardens, to exchanging stories and experiences, Community Day attendees engaged in the powerful interaction of shared purpose. Among the volunteers and participants, Joey Ou, the Program Assistant from the CPA, and Eva Booker, the Pollinator Garden Coordinator from Grebel, found the day to be personally meaningful. “I was genuinely grateful for the invitation to participate in a Community Day at Green Care Farms. To be honest, it is a bit humbling that this event marked my first time weeding a garden,” shared Joey. “However, through these initial steps, I not only acquired new skills but also found a sense of value in embracing unfamiliar opportunities. While technology undeniably shapes our lives, the chance to immerse myself in a garden, nurturing both my mind and the earth, was a precious and grounding experience.”
Eva added her perspective on the day's importance. "I always find it inspiring to meet others at Community Days who are passionate about the goals of Green Care Farms.This Community Day was such a beautiful time when people came together to transform the garden into an even more beautiful space! I enjoyed introducing the garden to some CPA and Grebel folks, and they quickly realized how special it is."
This event showed how working together can make a significant difference in achieving a shared goal and highlighted a mutual responsibility in building a more inclusive and harmonious society. As the day ended, the collective efforts of attendees embodied the essence of peacemaking and community building. Thank you to Green Care Farms for inviting the CPA and Grebel to this Community Day. To explore similar opportunities, visit the Green Care Farms website and get involved.