Moose Jaw Families for Change (MJFFC) held a ribbon-cutting ceremony and barbecue for its newest project, an inclusive community garden on donated land behind the Holy Trinity Catholic School Division (HTCSD) office.
Mariah Horsnall, program co-ordinator at MJFFC, said the Inclusion Garden has been a goal for the organization for years, but the pandemic made the project difficult until now.
“It’s really heartwarming to see everyone come together today to the grand opening of the Kinsmen Inclusion Garden,” Horsnall said. “The garden is an accessible garden that has raised garden beds, paved pathways, accessible seating, accessible shed — everything that an individual that can’t utilize garden beds on the ground could use.”
More than 50 people came out for the grand opening. Free hot dogs and hamburgers kept everyone fed, while soda and water kept guests hydrated in the day’s heat.
The MJFFC glee club performed several musical numbers before Ward Strueby, director of education for the HTCSD, gave a brief speech.
“We are so lucky to be in partnership with the Moose Jaw Families for Change and the Kinsmen Inclusion Centre,” Streuby said. “Our Vanier-graduated students have enjoyed the many community activities and work experiences provided by this organization at the (Kinsmen) Café, in the community, and now the garden.”
Strueby thanked Tami Grieve, executive director of MJFFC, Horsnall, and the Kinsmen Inclusion Centre board, staff, and clients for their hard work making the garden a reality.
“Tami and her group are not done,” he continued, “and are looking for other opportunities in Moose Jaw to provide meaningful inclusion for our students (at Vanier Collegiate) and clients of the Moose Jaw Families for Change.”
The amount of land ready for planting at the garden is significant, and HTCSD said that they are willing to donate even more space if the garden starts to overflow. Horsnall said that starting in 2023, individuals from the community can come out to help.
“Because it was late in the year for everything to finish up, we’re just going to get some things planted and see how they take off. Next year, it will be open for individuals in the community to utilize the plots … Our folks here are excited, and they want to have some kind of market next year to sell their produce.”
Anyone interested in participating in the inclusion garden should email Horsnall at mariahmjffc@shaw.ca.
Horsnall also gave some remarks before the official ribbon cutting, with the help of Tom Shelly, a Special Olympics Moose Jaw athlete spokesperson.
Horsnall and Shelly thanked the Kinsmen for their support and said that it had enabled MJFFC to expand in the community, provide meaningful opportunities, and break down barriers.
“The Kinsmen Inclusion Garden is Moose Jaw’s first accessible garden,” Horsnall added. “We are thankful for the many generous donations from our sponsors and the community.”
Memorial donations on behalf of loved ones are recognized throughout the garden with plaques on raised beds and accessible structures. Major sponsors are recognized on the sign at the garden’s entrance.
