Sacred Heart elementary school has received a $1,000 grant to make improvements to its organic garden.
The money comes from World Wildlife Fund Canada's Green CommUnity schools grants program which was launched with a $100,000 contribution from Loblaw Companies Limited. The cash was distributed to 33 schools across Canada.
The grant will give Sacred Heart the means to add water barrels and composters to the garden and expand from six to 10 raised beds, which are easily tended by the elementary-age students.
"The children were very interested in their garden," said Nuala Power, a teacher at the school.
"They were delighted to plant seeds, bulbs and seedlings last spring and we'd like to continue to provide this experience for them and to enhance it by demonstrating a method for the conservation and storage of water and an alternative means of recycling organic waste."
The students grow incredible edibles, said Power, including raspberries and rhubarb to onions and oregano.
"Gardening develops patience and observation skills; it is an active and productive hobby; it encourages awareness of the importance of caring for the environment, coping with crop failure and celebrating success," Power said.
