Activities at Patchwork Farms are expanding.
A greenhouse was recently installed at the site next to Okanagan College.
“The greenhouse was donated by Harnois Industries, a commercial greenhouse distributor,” said Jenn Millan, Mental Illness Family Support Centre manager.
“This donation was secured by one of our program participants last season as a gesture of support for the Farm Friends program that he and his family were a part of in 2015.”
Farm Friends is for families affected by mental illness or addictions and seeks to improved family resiliency around these issues through gardening and learning together.
As part of installing the greenhouse, seven Rotarians provided some muscle.
“The donation of the Rotary crew’s time was matched by Keith Hustler, a community member, as he agreed to foreman the job and lead the crew,” said Millan.
“We are so grateful to everyone who participated and look forward to our first season in 2017 where we can start all of our own seedlings.”
Patchwork Farms serves the community through engaging other non-profits in education around gardening, sustainable practices, permaculture design, water conservation, food security issues and feeding families in need through growing produce.
The Mental Illness Family Support Centre has been a partner in Patchwork Farms for three years.
Other partners are Okanagan College, the Food Action Society, the Social Planning Council, Kindale, Junction Literacy Centre and the Canadian Mental Health Association.