Cultivating Community
Details
Southern Alberta
The Idea
Cultivating Community supports seniors with mobility challenges by building 10–20 raised garden beds in the local community garden. These accessible beds allow seniors to garden comfortably, helping them stay active, engaged, & connected. Each senior will be paired with a local high school student through a mentorship program, offering students volunteer hours while fostering intergenerational learning & understanding.
Seniors will share gardening experience & wisdom with students, preserving valuable skills & traditions. This exchange provides seniors with purpose & belonging while inspiring youth to value hands-on learning, sustainability, & community contribution. The mentorship model ensures gardening knowledge is passed to future generations, strengthening community resilience.
The project promotes empathy, respect, & understanding between seniors & youth. Through shared stories & successes, participants will build meaningful connections that reduce isolation & foster inclusion. These relationships bridge generational gaps & create a stronger, more compassionate community.
With one in four Canadians facing food insecurity, growing fresh produce is vital. For seniors on fixed incomes, gardening offers financial relief & access to nutritious food. By teaching youth about self-sufficiency & sustainable food practices, the project reduces reliance on food banks & promotes local food resilience. The gardens will serve as sustainable & healthy eating.
Gardening supports mental & physical well-being. Being outdoors, engaging in light exercise, & nurturing plants improve mood, reduce stress, & build confidence. The collaborative nature of the project encourages teamwork, problem-solving, & emotional support, fostering resilience & mindfulness through each growing season.
Participants will reflect on their relationship with the environment & their role as stewards of the natural world. By engaging directly with the land, both seniors & students gain a deeper appreciation for sustainability & the impact of everyday choices, fostering environmental responsibility & hope for a sustainable future.
Cultivating Community combines accessibility, education, & environmental stewardship to create lasting impact & strengthens community ties. The raised beds will serve as a permanent, inclusive space where knowledge, compassion, & growth flourish ensuring the wisdom of one generation continues to inspire the next.
Who Will Benefit?
1. Seniors with Mobility Challenges
- They’ll gain access to raised garden beds that make gardening physically possible and enjoyable again.
- Gardening helps them stay active, engaged, and socially connected.
- It provides a sense of purpose, accomplishment, and improved mental and physical health.
- They’ll also benefit from companionship and support from student volunteers.
2. High School Students
- Students will earn volunteer hours while developing empathy, patience, and respect for older generations.
- They’ll gain hands-on experience in gardening, teamwork, and community service.
- The mentorship aspect allows them to learn valuable life skills and environmental awareness.
3. The Local Community
- The project strengthens community bonds by bringing generations together.
- It promotes food security through the production of fresh, organic produce.
- It encourages sustainable living and environmental stewardship.
- The community garden becomes a more inclusive, welcoming space for all residents.
4. The Environment
- The project promotes organic gardening practices, reducing chemical use and supporting biodiversity.
- It fosters awareness of sustainable food systems and responsible resource use.
In short, Cultivating Community benefits seniors, students, the broader community, and the environment — creating a ripple effect of learning, connection, and well-being.