In the fall, the Kimberley & District Community Foundation awarded grants, totalling $23,000, to non-profit organizations in Kimberley that applied for funds. To be accepted for a grant, a group must have a charity number and show how they are of benefit to the citizens of Kimberley. It may be an established group or a new group being formed to serve our community. There are two types of grants to be given out throughout the year: Community grants are given in the Fall and Winter Games Legacy grants will be given out in the spring
The KCDF wants the community to learn more about the organizations that receive funds.
One of the organizations that was accepted for a grant was Wildsight’s Open Gate Garden. Andrea Chapman, the Branch Manager of Wildsight Kimberley/Cranbrook, and Richard Hoglund, an avid volunteer, both expressed their gratitude for the $1170.00 grant. Because the garden is open to all age groups in town, everyone will benefit. In 2019, over 400 students have participated in the garden as well as over 250 known community members. This fall students got their hands dirty by planting garlic, cleaning up the beds to put them to rest for the winter, and even draining irrigation hoses before they freeze. All ages of community members visited the garden throughout the season to dig in the fresh dirt, including young families who don’t have their own space for a garden as they either rent or live in an apartment. Avid gardeners come to learn new techniques demonstrated in the accessible space. Of course, everyone can come share in the planting, weeding, and harvesting to put fresh produce on their tables. Every little bit helps in the Open Gate garden and it sure is appreciated!
Kimberley’s Open Garden is a safe community space to learn about gardening, reconnect with nature, and connect with new friends of similar interests. The garden provides everyone with the opportunity to learn how to grow healthy food.
Foundation funds will be used to buy new gardening equipment such as pitch forks, shovels and rakes, and new bright signage that will make the garden known as a free-to-use community space visible from Rotary Drive. The Foundation funds will also help spread the word about 2019 events including work bees, the annual harvest party, and workshops hosted in the garden.
All citizens of Kimberley are welcome to use plus benefit from the Open Gate Garden at no cost. Join Andrea at Kimberley’s own Open Gate Garden!