THE

PARTNERS

Testimonial to the Power of Humanity  - taken from remarks by Angie Woodcock, Branch Manager

                                                                                  of the Canadian Red Cross, Sault Ste. Marie & Algoma District, and David Helwig, SooToday.com

Its growth has been described as a true coming together of individuals and organizations.  About 7 years ago, the Red Cross introduced a summer social program for the seniors' program clients, mainly consisting of flowerbeds in raised tire gardens. This project ran approximately 2 summers supported by the Red Cross and HRDC Summer Student Employment Program.

5 Years ago, the Red Cross began the infamous Community Kitchens Program, growing from 3 to approximately 21 kitchens - with financial support of the United Way.  HRDC and the Red Cross then introduced a new version of the Garden program which complimented the Community Kitchen programs - not only could participants cook food together, they could grow it as well!  Two garden plots were developed; one here on this site and a second at Pim Street, the former location of the Children's Aid Society's Parent Mutual Aid.  Plant day was described as AMAZING!

Literally, the 'seed was planted'. Kitchen participants, Red Cross Volunteers, March of Dimes and Community Living Algoma Clients, staff, Rosedale Public School students all contributed, even the pre-school daycare program at the YMCA joined in.  These little tots walked from the 'Y' with their bean plants in hand to proudly plant them for the Red Cross Community Garden.

2 sites grew to 3 in the second year when VanDale Retirement Complex joined the team. 

Year 3 saw the Sault Ste. Marie Horticultural Society come aboard to provide assistance and support and the one plot turned into eight complete with a composting site thanks to Clean North.

The project solidified with the formation of the Allard Street Community Garden Collective comprised of the Sault Ste. Marie Horticultural Society, Canadian Red Cross, Ontario March of Dimes, Clean North, Community Living Algoma and Extendicare/Van Daele. They would meet over the next year and a half to plan their commitment to further the development of this safe, beautiful outdoor garden - allowing neighbours to meet and grow vegetables and flowers with the vision that in time, these same people could then take the initiative and responsibility for organizing, maintaining and managing the Allard Street Gardens.

HISTORY

and Growth

This garden was and, IS, accessible to a diverse range of people of all ages and abilities.  It was successfully envisioned to be a shining example of sustainable organic gardening practices and an opportunity for people to work together in practical and positive ways promoting a sense of community  and revitalization of the neighbourhood.

The Sault Ste. Marie Horticultural Society agreed to act as the lead organization and applied for funding to make permanent site improvements; this included plans for hiring a full-time Garden Co-ordinator to mentor gardening participants during this large-scale program's first year of operation.

In 2003, The Ontario Trillium Foundation granted the Collective $20,000.00 in funding for this endeavour

Many dedicated volunteers, members and non-members of the associated organizations, prospective plot-owners and general well-wishers gave their efforts tirelessly. Community businesses and organizations provided in their own ways, wanting to support and encourage this vision as well. For several summers And Son 'literally dumped a load or two' of fresh earth,  Soo Mill donated materials, New North Green

Houses, the SSM Horticultural Society and Alexander Henry Public High School donated plants and seeds, and provided 'much needed advice'.

Literally, the blood, sweat and dreams are the foundation for the transformation of the Red Cross Community Garden into what is now the Allard Street Community Garden.

A seed was planted . . . and it grew.

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