This year, Today’s Family had partnered with Community Fridges Hamilton to open Hamilton’s very first community fridge in the Gilkson neighbourhood (located at our Greendale site). The fridge belongs to the community and is accessible 24/7, offering a place to donate or access fresh food and non-perishable items. It serves to decrease food insecurity in the community by offering access to food within close walking distance to those who need it.
Sharing is in our roots. Our community garden has nourished the community for many years. In collaboration with Green Venture’s Grow A Row program, our children and neighbours have been given space and resources to grow their own food. After each harvest, our children set up produce stands to share what they’ve grown with the community. Neighbours also add fresh produce from the garden to the new community fridge.
Upon the fridge’s delivery to 44 Greendale Drive, children from our R.A Riddell before and after school program saw an opportunity to contribute their talents to the new community initiative. Together, they brainstormed a design with the intention that it would promote empowerment and belonging. After a few coats of red, blue, and green, a few hand-drawn fruits and vegetables, the fridge was open to the neighbourhood. Their creativity and caring helped make the fridge inviting and welcoming to all. Their quote “Give what you can. Take what you need” reflects the intention of the space, allowing all to contribute to the resource in any which way that they can. The children featured in the photo are the artists behind the colourful and thoughtful design of the fridge. Their contributions prove that children are great leaders in our neighbourhoods – partners in caring.
At Today’s Family we believe that together we are better. This collaboration has furthered our work in establishing a “community hub” within the neighbourhood – with our child care centre, community garden, and community fridge – Gilkson is a community of belonging
This post is an excerpt from our 2021 Annual Report, Quilts of Care. You can read the entire report by visiting our new Neighbourhoods Mini Site by clicking here. You can also download a PDF version of the report by clicking here.
