Two opportunities to help build your community: volunteer with Projects in Place!

The Astoria farm a few years in (image from SoleFood)

A few years ago, I heard that Projects in Place Society was looking for volunteers to help build raised garden beds & a shed to turn the empty lot next to the Astoria Hotel into an urban farm. I spent a few hours hauling lumber & assembling the beds & putting the hardware into the shed on a bright October day in 2008, I think it was.

The urban farm at the Astoria, run by the non-profit SoleFood, is currently flourishing. Though they got grant money to get off the ground, they actually sold enough produce that this location is self-sustaining. I'm very proud to have contributed a little to this project.

This week I got an email from Projects in Place looking for volunteers for a couple more projects & I thought I'd pass them on to you. Please consider giving a little of your time to help out with one or both of these two projects. If you haven't volunteered your time for a while, or ever, this is a great opportunity!

Here's the email:

Hello Projects In Place Supporters:

We hope everyone is having a great summer and enjoying the sunshine.

For the past three years Projects In Place has helped design and build many innovative projects that have helped to improve lives, green neighbourhoods and provide economic opportunity throughout Vancouver.

If you're interested in getting your hands dirty and firing up some power tools to add to your slate of summer activities, we've got two exciting upcoming builds we're hoping you can join us for.

We're looking for volunteers to assist with the following projects:

Pacific Heights Playground

Date: Saturday, August 11

Location:  Pacific Heights Housing Co-Op

1035 Pacific Avenue

Vancouver

Time: 9:00 am - Noon / 1:00 - 4:00 pm

Summary:

Replacing a derelict playground with a "pocket playground" including benches, a water feature, native plants and more.

*Sign Up for a Shift to Volunteer at this Event

Strathcona Green Zone Resource Park

Date: Friday, August 10

Saturday, August 11

Location: 1245 East Hastings Street

Vancouver

Time: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Summary:

Transforming a vacant parking lot into a waste diversion and food production facility for the Strathcona Business Improvement Association that will consist of an urban farm; a holding area for reusable materials; and an innovative composting system that will divert food waste from local restaurants and finally, a public mini-park. This phase of the build will focus on assembling and installing eight sheds.

*Sign Up for a Shift to Volunteer at this Event

For more detailed information, including site plans, and to sign up for either (or both) of these projects, please visit our website and fill out the sign-up forms to participate in full or half day shifts. Tasks for both projects include painting, construction, landscaping and logistics. 

We are also looking for Team Captains for the playground build. If you are interested in performing this role--which requires attending a meeting on Aug. 10 from 6:00 - 7:00 pm--please contact Jane MacCarthy (604-731-4450 / janempip@gmail.com). 

We look forward to seeing you on August 10 and/or 11. Please feel free to forward this email to your contact list.

Thanks for your support,

Projects In Place Board/Members at Large