Highlights of 2010 - #1

Volunteer Efforts

The top Highlight of our year was the tremendous efforts by Volunteers to spread the word on waste issues. We had an increased number of opportunities and initiatives and a record number of hours.

MC/RVs are go-to people for environmental education, representing millions of dollars in saving in 2010.

We have a lot of fun learning and socializing together, too.

Great Job!

Have a safe and wonderful evening - see you next year!

Employment Opportunity

Employment Opportunity: Just Food Edmonton (JFE) / Personal Community Support Association (PCSA)

Position: Community Garden Network Facilitator, Edmonton region.

Contract position; funded annually; required roughly 1 week per month; potential to increase over time.

Build community capacity to support community gardening; increase opportunities to participate in community gardening through the creation of 6 new gardens in 2011. General Duties:

1. Administer Grant program

2. Secure funding for programming

3. Deliver supports to new garden leaders

4. Provide general program support

Starting Date: February, 2011

Annual contract estimate: $15,000

The Candidate: The successful candidate will be outgoing, and possess the following Qualities and Training:

1. Community development or community building experience

2. Understanding of organizations: public and private

3. Some program experience

4. Growing food experience (not necessarily “horticultural”)

5. Ability to work flexible hours with peak intensities throughout the year

6. Access to a vehicle (a mileage policy is in place).

To Apply: Submit résumé and cover letter to catherine@city-farm.org by 4:30 p.m. January 7, 2011. Please note: only the successful candidate will be notified. We thank all applicants for their interest.

See the website for further information: www.edmcommunitygardens.org

Highlights of 2010 - #2

Our 20th Anniversary

Over the past 20 years, trained MCRP volunteers have been involved in some unique branch activities.In 1993 they helped with two weekends of the “Great Compost Giveaway” helping distribute over 10,000 tonnes of free compost from the Clear Bag program to Edmonton residents.
The MCRP volunteers helped with the 1994 sale at Clark Stadium of more than 4000 composting bins, and conducted workshops on backyard composting. Volunteers have participated in the opening celebration of various Waste Management Branch facilities.They helped with the paint exchange part of the toxic roundups before the Eco Stations existed. They have taught ESL classes on recycling to newcomers, given presentations in classrooms, and to Girl Guides and Boy Scouts groups.

The volunteers have also helped out with Garbage Fairs – which were turned into Reuse Fairs and Round Ups. Many have become involved with the Reuse Centre.

Volunteers continue to make a positive impact on the community. They help clear up confusion about what to recycle, and help residents get started with composting. Volunteers even share their vermicomposting “red wiggler” worms with others. They assist branch staff by working at information booths and display tables at special events such as the Renovation Show, Women's Show, the Home and Garden Show, Capital Ex, Earth Day celebrations, and many others. Of course, their mentorship of new grads is instrumental to the success of the course, and to the continuation of the program.

Thanks for Twenty Great Years!

Highlights of 2010 - #3

TWO Fabulous Open Houses

Great organization

Great Information
Great Fun
Great Sights and Activities

Great Volunteers!

Highlights of 2010 - #4

Michael Gets Active

Our beloved mascot Michael Recycle had an active year. During Grey Cup week he could be seen partying in Huddle Town, and even took a swing on the Zipline.
Earlier in the year he took part in the second annual Edmonton Mascot Race during the Canadian Derby at Northlands Park, hoping to claim the coveted title of the Canadian Derby Fastest Mascot.
Michael did reach the finals, but he didn't quite make the podium, finishing 4th overall. Better luck next year, buddy!