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Organic garden fosters life, growth and understanding

Sadie Cox - Editor-in-Chief

Gardengate is a unique program where individuals living with mental health issues work in an organic garden that donates thousands of pounds of food to community organizations every year.

The program was formed in 1999 to address the issues of food security and opportunities for persons with mental health issues and is managed cooperatively by the Open Door Group and the Kamloops Food Policy Council.

With support from local businesses, volunteers, and the Interior Health Authority, the Gardengate site was established in Brocklehurst, and programming began in 2001. Its mission is “growing food and futures through diverse and supportive programs for persons with disabilities while contributing to the health and wellness of our community.”

Gardengate has donated over 170 000 lbs of organic produce to local charities such as New Life Mission, Salvation Army and the Kamloops Food Bank in the past 11 years.

Jamie Henderson, second year Bachelor of Education student at TRU, was completely unaware of the program prior to obtaining summer employment there via a Service Canada grant.

“It’s amazing the competency the participants develop,” said Henderson. “ I really like the community that develops between people of different abilities and with different barriers.”

Today, the 2.8 acre site features rows of organic produce, a greenhouse, orchard, classroom, and kitchen.

Each morning, Gardengate teems with activity as participants living with mental health issues work alongside staff and community volunteers to tend to the garden. Cooking classes, horticulture workshops, field trips, organic farming practices and produce and plant sales are just a few components of the unique program.

Through the various activities participants gain confidence and build vocational skills. In 2008, an accessible garden was opened, providing opportunities for persons with mobility issues to plant and tend to their own gardens.

Henderson said Gardengate creates a calm and welcoming environment where participants, volunteers and staff accept each other for who they are.

Program participants Frank Ficarini and Angus Redford echo these sentiments.

Redford, a participant for three years, comes to Gardengate three times a week. He picks the produce for the market in the morning and then washes and prepares it for the organic produce sale that runs from 11 am to 12:30 pm, Monday to Thursday.

“I really enjoy it,” said Redford. “It gets me out and socializing and working with other people.”

Henderson said she was really impressed with the idea of patience and the understanding that Gardengate is a place of learning.

Redford agrees stating, “the staff here is pretty good—even if you make a couple of mistakes they’re understanding.”

Ficarini has been a participant for almost four years. He said he likes the cooking component of the program and getting outside.

“It’s a worthwhile program that gets you out and intermingling with others,” he said.

He is looking forward to the annual Summer Salsa Challenge coming up on August 19.

From 12-3 pm, Gardengate welcomes everyone to drop in and sample salsas from 10 community teams and cast their vote for the People’s Choice and Team Spirit awards.

Other fun includes music from local talent, Ben Nielsen, a salsa dancing workshop, an organic produce market and garden tours.

Gardengate is located at 915 Southill, beside Overlander Extended Care Hospital.

For more information on the Summer Salsa Challenge please contact Jamie Henderson, Event Coordinator, at 250.554.9453 or email jamieh@opendoorgroup.org