SEEDS’ annual general meeting held recently at the Seniors’ Centre Branch 51 was filled with generosity and good news. Past president Tina Shields highlighted the year of transition the organization experienced.
“We said farewell to our founder Lee Reid, whose vision and boundless energy established SEEDS. Eva Hernandez took over the reins as our executive director and Nette Lack as our garden and greenhouse manager. These two soon had us whipped into share with fresh ideas and innovative plans.
“The greenhouse was on the cusp of producing 30 pounds of fresh organic greens weekly when disaster struck on June 29. After the shock wore off and we were relieved no one was in the greenhouse when the tree fell on it, we decided to set up a table at Lakeside Park for the Canada Day celebrations which, thanks to the city workers, was not postponed. It was there that the outpouring of love, condolences and offers of help made us realize that we have become vital to our community.”
This was evidenced at the AGM by a little boy named Henry who came to speak to the SEEDS members. He carried a big jar filled with bills and coins. His class went to the greenhouse frequently over the spring and early summer to learn how to grow food. They were quite upset that the greenhouse had been destroyed in that storm so they decided to fundraise to rebuild the greenhouse.
They dried fruit from the harvest rescue program and packaged it to sell at the Kootenay Co-op where they asked for donations. One homeless man donated $5 and declined the bag of fruit asking the children to give it to another. $354.25 was in that jar. Generosity in action.
Paul Edney continued that theme with his inspirational talk. Receiving is a part of giving when both persons or groups can open their hearts on this two-way street, he said. The giver and the receiver experience the generosity.
The good news is it looks like the City of Nelson is going to rebuild the greenhouse. SEEDS received a letter from councillor Michael Dailly, its liaison with the city and it looks promising. They are still working on the final budget and design and should have a final decision soon.