Huntingdon Manor Hotel and James Bay Neighborhood Association Team Up to Create Local Community Garden
Since COVID-19 was declared a global pandemic, our community has been facing unprecedented times, with many of its members finding themselves in difficult situations and with uncertain futures. As a direct response to the pandemic and to support our community, the Huntingdon Manor Hotel, in partnership with the James Bay Neighbourhood Association, is providing free gardening space to support the growth of a community food garden. This initiative benefits local James Bay residents that have been directly affected by the pandemic such as seniors, low-income families or laid-off workers.
The community garden is located on the grounds of Huntingdon Manor Hotel, adjacent to its sister property, the Pendray Inn and Tea House. Twelve garden plots have been offered to local James Bay residents. Each plot was equipped with a food garden kit, generously donated by Victoria’s Food Eco District and #MyFEDFARM, an initiative that supports the growth of urban food gardens. Additional support and donations were offered by Discovery Coffee and the Capital Region Food and Agriculture Initiatives Roundtable (CRFAIR), which allowed us to offer these lots at not costs to the residents.
During the challenging times, this initiative symbolizes a place of hope, kindness and unity, moving towards a better, more positive future. Hence, we found it very fitting to name the community garden, “The Dr. Bonnie Henry Commemorative Garden” in recognition of Dr. Henry’s mantra “Be Kind, Be Calm, and Be Safe”, and her continuous source of comfort, reassurance, and inspiration as we continue to fight the pandemic.
The community garden is located on the grounds of Huntingdon Manor Hotel, adjacent to its sister property, the Pendray Inn and Tea House. Twelve garden plots have been offered to local James Bay residents. Each plot was equipped with a food garden kit, generously donated by Victoria’s Food Eco District and #MyFEDFARM, an initiative that supports the growth of urban food gardens. Additional support and donations were offered by Discovery Coffee and the Capital Region Food and Agriculture Initiatives Roundtable (CRFAIR), which allowed us to offer these lots at not costs to the residents.
During the challenging times, this initiative symbolizes a place of hope, kindness and unity, moving towards a better, more positive future. Hence, we found it very fitting to name the community garden, “The Dr. Bonnie Henry Commemorative Garden” in recognition of Dr. Henry’s mantra “Be Kind, Be Calm, and Be Safe”, and her continuous source of comfort, reassurance, and inspiration as we continue to fight the pandemic.