TD Bank helps community gardens

May 27, 2016

Bancroft TD branch manager Ron Brown (he’s the guy with the suit and tie) is surrounded by Harvest the North volunteers as he presents them a $3,000 cheque to expand community gardening.

As a TD bank manager, Ron Brown is obviously fond of the colour green. On Friday, he added a new shade when he presented a cheque for $3,000 to Harvest the North to allow them to expand their community gardens.

Actually, this is the third contribution to the area by TD’s Friends of the Environment Fund. It’s also contributed to the Downtown Greening Project (through the Bancroft Business Improvement Area) and the Greening Our Future… One Child at a Time project (through North Hastings Children’s Services). Nationally, Brown reports the Fund has assisted more than 24,000 projects, to the total amount of $76 million.

Brown notes that money for the Fund is raised in a variety of ways, including by individuals within our own community donating through our local branch. “As a branch manager,” he reports, “it is always a very rewarding experience to see our fundraising efforts returned to the community.”

Jane Kali of Harvest the North reports that the $3,000 will build 11 new raised garden beds. These will be installed at the current Riverside Park location, and at other sites around the community, including at the town office, the library, the Chateau apartments.

In addition, the money will further assist the organization’s education program. Jane plans workshops throughout the growing season. In addition, Harvest the North is helping Woodview tenants learn how to set up gardens and grow some of their own food.

Riverstone Seniors Residence is adding another $1,000 to the initiative, according to manager Kim Hirst. This will develop gardens at the Hastings East property.