The Sharing Farm is built on our volunteers. We started as a volunteer-run organization and volunteers still hold an integral role. There is a lot of work to be done on a farm, especially an organic farm. The weeds are persistent and return at an astounding pace; in the hot summer, watering is a constant concern and we always need many hands for harvesting. We have more than 1,000 volunteers a year and each one of them is important.
The need for volunteers is especially strong when it comes to our annual Garlic Festival — the largest of its kind in Metro Vancouver — which is an important fundraiser for The Sharing Farm. Proceeds from the day allow us to continue to grow food for families in need.
This year the festival falls on Sunday, Aug. 20. We are looking for 100 people to help us make it all work. Volunteers are involved in all aspects of the festival, including fesitval set-up and tear-down, greeting festival-goers, assisting our chefs, helping in the kids area, scooping ice cream, serving drinks and a whole lot more.
I spoke to some of our veteran garlic festival volunteers to find out what keeps them coming back.
“It’s a really fun, fast-paced day. There’s never a dull moment and you feel very needed,” said one volunteer.
It feels good to be giving back to the community,” said another.
By raising funds for The Sharing Farm, you are helping them to grow food for the food bank.”
We currently have 35 people signed up, which means we have plenty of spots left to fill.
If you think you can help, please visit our website at SharingFarm.ca and take a look at all the different roles we have.
There’s something there for everone.
Sarah Drewery is the executive director of The Sharing Farm, a non-profit farm in Terra Nova Park, which grows food to donate to the food bank and community meal programs in Richmond.
