Opportunity calling: support students, strengthen communities, and do good
Submitted by Plant a Seed & See What Grows Foundation
By supporting a local school garden, you can directly support a healthier generation of young students and contribute to your own community. Your donation of either treasure, time, or talent will not only nurture learners who’ll become leaders, but also deepen your connection to the community.
As a donor and in partnership with the Plant a Seed & See What Grows Foundation, you’ll play an essential role in sustaining a vital resource for hands-on education and environmental stewardship, all the while making a lasting impact on knowledge, health, environmental consciousness, and community development.
The Foundation is currently partnering with The EdGE Learning Centre in Smithers, BC, and long-time donor, Deane Parkes.
For the past six years, EdGE Learning Centre has grown more than just plants—it has ensured education, community, and sustainability. What began as a small garden has grown into a vibrant space where students, staff, and residents come together. Thanks to generous contributions, including Plant a Seed Foundation’s previous financial assistance, their garden now has terraced beds, a greenhouse, and a tool shed.
This year, students harvested, preserved, and cooked produce to create salsa and spaghetti sauce, which was shared with their local health centers and workshops—an inspiring example of how the garden links students with their community.
However, due to rising costs of tools, supplies, and insurance, as well as theft, there is need for more financial support to sustain the garden project. Deane, a resident of Two Mile, BC; CHFA Hall of Fame Award member; and long-time CNHR columnist stepped in to help the school in partnership with the Foundation.
As Deane shared: “Supporting this charity has been a rewarding experience. I believe in the work they do, and I’m proud to help support The EdGE Learning Center in my community! The work we now do together is transformative.”
As a result of this garden, Mads, a six-year-old student, took his learning home. He germinated an apple seed from his lunch and watched it grow into a tiny apple tree. “One day, I’ll share its apples,” he said proudly, demonstrating that gardening teaches students about stewardship and the magic of nurturing life.
Please consider becoming an individual or business donor now to help students learn and watch communities and sustainable living thrive. For more information, please email at info@seewhatgrows.org.