Submitted by Seniors Economic Environment Development Society
It is with mixed emotions that SEEDS (Seniors Economic Environment Development Society) announces the conclusion of its remarkable journey. After years of dedicated service to the community, SEEDS has made the difficult decision to conclude operations and end an era.
We take pride in passing on our legacy of resources to the Nelson Community Food Centre, an organization whose mission resonates with the values SEEDS has upheld for so long.
The pivotal moment in SEEDS’ trajectory was the loss of our beloved greenhouse in 2015, a casualty of a strong summer storm. Despite valiant efforts, supported by the City of Nelson, challenges arose in finding a new home for our greenhouse. A proposed location on Seventh Street met with understandable concerns from local residents. The subsequent onset of the COVID-19 pandemic further hindered our community and educational programs, limiting our ability to connect with others.
In the fall of 2021, we issued a call for new board members to help and the community responded with renewed vigour. However, it became evident that the labour and resources required to establish a new greenhouse were beyond sustainable means.
In 2023, recognizing our limitations, the remaining board members made the difficult but necessary decision to conclude SEEDS’ operations. It was during this time that we forged a connection with the Nelson Community Food Centre, an organization that has expanded its food security programs, including community gardening and food education initiatives.
Since its inception in 2012, SEEDS has aimed to “grow healthy food and contribute to local food security through educational programs, donations to short-term relief efforts, and advocacy for food system policy change.” These principles seamlessly align with the current programs at NCFC.
We are delighted to have the opportunity to make a substantial contribution of our remaining assets to this admirable organization. We extend our warmest wishes for their continued success.
The board would also like to extend our gratitude to all SEEDS supporters, former members, and subscribers. Special appreciation goes to the founding members whose vision and determination transformed our community. In their honour, a memorial tree with plaque now stands at the Seventh Street site, symbolizing the community garden greenhouse that might have been. We hope this legacy will honour the efforts and work of the SEEDS founders, members, supporters and volunteers.