What encouraged you to come along and volunteer?
With the current climate change and food crisis we are facing, I wanted to help the community to grow their own food and create a ripple. When we want to sustain society, it needs to start locally.
I joined the community garden as a volunteer since the beginning when it was a stirring group. Then I joined the committee and also volunteered in the garden. The experience gained by being part of the committee helped gain confidence which is now beneficial in my current role when I have to take part in discussion and meetings.
What is the best part of volunteering? What has it done for you?
Definitely the grafting. You feel like you have achieved something even if it is poring rain and you are soaked! It livens you up, it sharpens you especially when it is cold outside
I also became part of a community by meeting people, have different conversation and Community: meeting people, have conversation
It helped me get out on my bike as well and I discovered so many new vegetables.
What is a typical day like?
I was trying to be here for about 9am and do 5h of work. When I do a task I like to complete it. Hard to start away from it (laughter)
How does a day in the Garden make you feel?
When I arrive at home, I am tired but I feel satisfied. I go home with having done something physical rather than mental. You feel mentally booster (and physically tired! laughter)
I like the image of a symbiotic relationship. volunteering makes me feel good and it helps others too.
What advice would you offer someone who is thinking about volunteering in one of the Community Garden spaces?
Do it! It doesn't matter what your experience or level of knowledge, every day is a learning experience. You gain more than what you give.
