L: Julie making stepping stones (Photo: Allison Houser) R: Lori in character as Queen Bee (Photo: Jaime Kowal Photography)

Despite being busy parents of children who attend Simon Fraser Elementary School, Lori Weidenhammer, Julie Sawatsky and Michelle Weeks still find time to green their city. The school has a garden plot at the Vancouver City Hall Community Garden, and these women are using the space to connect children, parents and teachers with their environment.

Why volunteer? We love the positive feedback from the kids, the creative buzz from working with adults and volunteers, the opportunity to meet like-minded people doing positive things for change. It’s so rewarding to see knowledge gained and shared, inspiring do-it-yourself action. We can all do something to help build and bond the community for a better world. We particularly like volunteering with Evergreen–staff are professional, enthusiastic, positive, inspiring and fund actions that make a difference in everyday lives and improve the environment.

Memorable moments: Lori: My favourite garden memory is when I pointed to some leeks at the garden and asked the children what they were. A grade three student said they were “lamb chops”.

Julie: It’s the experience of seeing all the gloves and shovels being spread out throughout work parties and slowing being returned at the end of the day with smiling faces. A big wave of good vibrations!

For us, urban greening is all about: A group of people working towards the same goal – providing places for positive action and in the process creating lasting green spaces for the Earth and all its inhabitants, making them our hope for the future.

Join Lori, Julie and Michelle in greening the city. Learn how.