Gardening heals people.  Gardening gathers people.  Gardening provides foods.

I have volunteered in the several groups in Vancouver, for 1)therapeutic purpose, 2)educational purpose,  3)commodity purpose, and 4)community building.

1) Photo 1 and 2 were taken when I volunteered for the groups who had mental health/disability through Evergreen.  The clients connected to the nature and society (some of them earned for watering).  They enjoyed harvesting and tasting the foods that they took care of.

2) SPEC Cambie Communal Garden (Society Promoting Environmental Conservation).  The garden was managed and shared by members.  There was an unpaid coordinator (not like other groups).  Everyone was volunteers.  It was often hard to get a commitment by some volunteers.

3) Environmental Youth Alliance has solid programs for youth to learn gardening/pollinators.

4) Fresh Roots has educational and commodity purpose of garden.  There were interns from high schools and universities when I was volunteering.  Garden volunteers and intern can learn the whole cycle of urban farming.

5) Vancouver Arts Colloquium Society – Permaculture and Art Program – The program was educational purpose, but community building purpose was stronger.

All of the organizations are non-profit.  Searching funding and volunteers seemed key to sustain their activities.