KUMI Canada in Bradford recently donated to the BWG Community Initiatives group and the town's Community Gardens, providing them with a monetary donation of $80 as well as a new hose and nozzle.
"It's their way of giving back to the community," said Gwen Cottingham, president of BWG Community Initiatives group which oversees Bradford Community Gardens. "Every little bit helps because we are a non-profit."
In 2021, KUMI Canada purchased three plots at the BWG Community Gardens for a total of $120.
The Community Gardens are located at the Bradford Lions Club building at Lions Park. Those interested in renting a plot meet every May before the gardening season, where they are given a set of keys for access to the gardens all summer.
Cottingham says there are currently 17 4x6 ft. plots available for rent, with hopes of expanding to create another garden as the town continues to grow and interest in community gardening picks up.
It costs $40 to rent a plot for the season, with the money going back to the community, with the BWG Community Initiatives' Community Meal. The meal was offered to those in need once a week and made by local volunteers at the Bradford United Church.
Since the pandemic, most of the volunteers for the meal have not returned and the church is no longer available for use for the making of the meals.
"It's been since the summer since we have been trying to find someplace to do it," said Cottingham.
Cottingham started off with BWG Community Initiatives group eight years ago, with their community meal. Cottingham would like to see the community meal back once again but is looking for volunteers, sponsors and a space to host (preferably in the downtown core).
"We are trying to think of different ideas," she said. "With the way things are going, people can't afford food...that's where I know the meal is going to be helpful for a lot of people."
Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer, or if you wish to donate towards the Community Initiatives, contact Gwen Cottingham at [email protected].