Bulletin - April 2024
Welcome to the April edition of the MetroWorks Monthly Bulletin, where we shine a spotlight on the inspiring initiatives and collaborative efforts driving positive change across our community. This month, we're excited to share stories of urban farming and community, culinary excellence for a cause, and empowering progress in employment opportunities .Join us as we dive into these impactful stories and more, highlighting the collective efforts that make the MetroWorks community a driving force for positive change in our community.
Common Roots Urban Farm Woodside and BiHi April Updates!
Both the BiHi and Woodside farms took part in the Climate Action Fair during Earth Week, hosting an "Ask a Farmer" booth where we answered gardening questions, shared our favorite growing resources, and distributed seeds from the farm so others can enjoy urban farming. The farms have also started some early seeding outside of hearty carrots and beets, and have started hiring for the farming season (including student positions!) — so be sure to check their website for these opportunities! Lastly, they’re in the process of wrapping up their Feed Nova Scotia grant by giving away 50 caja growing containers along with seeds and starters to people who are dealing with food insecurity.
The BiHi Farm has begun to plan and prepare a special new area on the farm to grow flax. This is for a partnership with Flaxmobile during this growing season. The BiHi farm will also host dedicated workshops about seeding, harvesting and processing flax. Next time you visit the BiHi farm, make sure you take a close look at the garden beds, because some are new! Dillon Consulting was on the farm recently to replace the old garden beds, and the BiHi crew sends a big thank you to their awesome team for all of their hard work.
Over at the Woodside farm, the team has met with Recreational and Occupational Therapists to plan garden programming at the Nova Scotia Hospital and East Coast Forensic Hospitals.
Make sure you check out the Common Roots Urban Farm dedicated website here, so you won’t miss upcoming events and workshops!
Stone Hearth Bakery's Impact at the UNICEF Water for Life Gala
Stone Hearth Bakery has yet again participated as one of the chefs at UNICEF Canada’s annual Chefs for UNICEF Water for Life Gala on April 18 in Halifax! The Gala featured 10 local chefs, including Stone Hearth Bakery, who prepared international cuisine inspired by countries worldwide. Stone Hearth prepared a Mexican inspired meal featuring Mexican Salad Veracruz, Pulled Pork Tacos, and Arroz Rojo Rice. This is their 32nd Water for Life Gala and supports UNICEF’s mission for children's right to water and sanitation.
The Gala also included speakers who highlighted the importance of UNICEF's initiatives and the impact of community’s support. Additionally, guests could participate in live auctions and enjoy live music.The event aimed to raise funds for UNICEF's programs focused on providing safe water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) to children worldwide, highlighting these essential needs as basic human rights. You can read more about UNICEF and this event here.
Common Roots x NSLC
The Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation’s (NSLC) For the Good of Our Community Fund provides financial support to organizations across Nova Scotia, addressing critical community needs such as food security, mental health support, and environmental conservation. Common Roots Urban Farm is one of the beneficiaries, receiving funds for tools and supplies for over 100 of our garden plots. This support goes directly to our newcomer gardeners who are food-insecure or unable to find produce they are familiar with from their homes. You can read NSLC’s full press release here.
Empowering Halifax: Stone Hearth Bakery's Impactful Employability Program
For over four decades, Stone Hearth Bakery has been a pillar of the community, known for its commitment to providing high-quality bread and fostering social impact through its employability program. This spring we have seen the program be one of the busiest it’s been, with a total of 50 active participants in the program. So know when you purchase a bread product from Stone Hearth Bakery, you directly help your community grow stronger.
Participants in the Stone Hearth Bakery Program can learn real-world bakery skills in a commercial bakery. We have a supportive work environment where program participants work five days a week alongside skilled bakers performing a number of essential tasks necessary for the operation of a full service bakery. We work with people who want to find meaningful and sustainable work in their community, regardless of their background and diverse abilities.
EDGE Participants Plant Progress
In a recent update from our EDGE program, participants continue to make strides in their indoor gardening project. Since its inception last month, the plants have flourished, with notable growth observed across the board. A noteworthy addition to the garden is the introduction of a vertical planter.
We're also thrilled to announce that some participants have secured a Commit2Act grant, showcasing their dedication to fostering sustainability and inclusivity within our communities. Commit2Act aims to make show how small actions can have a massive impact when it comes to creating a sustainable tomorrow.
OPTIONS Empowers Job Seekers at Nova Scotia Works Job Fair
The OPTIONS team headed to one of the larger spring job fairs hosted by Nova Scotia Works, in partnership with Job Junction, Opportunity Place, TEAM Work Cooperative and the YMCA. The team focused on sharing how they help community members find work, even if they have faced or are facing employment barriers. The OPTIONS table also held a raffle contest for visitors.
This 2024 Spring Job Fair was a huge success with over 110 hiring employers networking with nearly 4,000 job seekers. This Job Fair strives for inclusivity and accessible practices like offering a free resume copy centre, interpreters, career development professionals and more. Visit their website for more information here.
As we wrap up this edition of the MetroWorks Monthly Bulletin, we're reminded of the power of collaboration, compassion, and community-driven initiatives in creating a brighter, more inclusive Halifax and Nova Scotia. Thank you for joining us on this journey of growth and positive change. Together, we're making a difference, one story at a time.
