“I sometimes wonder if they really understand the difference they make in the lives of those who receive their good” On Rock
by Rhonda Massad
The Fritz Farm Youth Gardening Program (FFYGP) gives freshly grown produce to local food banks. Just this week they delivered more than ten boxes filled with tomatoes, beans, and peppers, all grown at Fritz Farm in Baie D’Urfé, to On Rock Community Services.
The volunteer philosophy has always been notable in the Town of Baie D’Urfé. This relatively new program where youth grow food and pay it forward to those in need in the community goes hand in hand with the Town’s need to give back. In recent years FFYGP has helped community organizations such as West Island Volunteer Bureau, Meals on Wheels, On Rock Community Services, West Island Mission, St. Columba by the Lake Food Ministry and West Island Assistance Fund.
“One of the biggest challenges is getting fresh produce. You can’t get much fresher than grown in the West Island,” explained On Rock’s President Kim Reid.”
According to proud Baie D’Urfé Mayor Maria Tutino, over the last ten years, Baie D’Urfé volunteer groups have extended their generosity beyond the Town’s borders. The Town’s Rescue Squad has been involved internationally in assisting with both the Haitian and Syrian relocation efforts.
“Just three years into their creation, the Fritz Farm Youth Gardening Program is making their presence felt across the metropolitan region as a major provider of free healthy, home-grown produce for people in need,” Tutino stated.
The organization’s mission is to teach youth about growing their food, responsibility, social values and to reconnect them and their families to the source of the food they eat in a world of supermarkets, international food transport and heavily industrialized farming practices. They also hope to continue to provide fresh, locally grown produce to organizations that are in need of such food.
“It is always encouraging when local community groups contribute in such amazing ways,” Reid said. “I sometimes wonder if they really understand the difference they make in the lives of those who receive their good.”
“It is heartwarming that Baie-D’Urfe citizens are recognized as making a difference in people’s life,” Tutino said. “As Mayor, I cannot be anything but proud of the hard work and generosity of the FFYGP volunteers.”
