WOODBINE COMMUNITY FARM
Emily Mallin, Manager, Corporate Social Responsibility & Community Relations Dept, Woodbine Entertainment Group brought an excellent multi-media presentation on the Community Farm at Woodbine Racetrack. This is a partnership with Evergreen (Brickworks), a not-for-profit organization focusing on food security for economically marginalized people in the Rexdale area.
When approached by Evergreen for a donation, Woodbine offered land instead. A 1/4 acre of an old parking lot was designated. Fundraising and corporate outreach resulted in a working community farm, with a large greenhouse, raised garden beds and a productive urban farm. Produce is given to local charities, including Ernestine's Women's Shelter, Youth without Shelter , migrant workers at the track and other Rexdale charities.
In addition to growing abundant food, this farm offers education and volunteer opportunities. Many groups come for a few hours, or regularly, including Albion Boys & Girls Club, folks from the shelters, staff at Woodbine, and corporate groups. Educating young visitors is something dear to the heart of the two staff members, Jean Snow and Andrea Berry. Both are experienced farmers from Nova Scotia who have headed recently to Ontario.
They enjoy explaining how to grow food, eating healthy and hands-on activities with the young people and adults who visit. This summer there is also a summer student. All staff are contracted for the growing season (April-October).
The vision of Woodbine Entertainment Group, which will soon begin building a casino on site, is to provide 5 acres of land, extent the growing season and see this become a sustainable farm. Woodbine runs fundraising events to raise funds for staffing and operations, and works with local corporations to secure donations.
If you go to the Woodbine Racetrack soon, glance over beyond the track to the south-west where the greenhouse is visible. Or better still, go visit or volunteer. Contact Emily Mallin at 416-675-3993, ext. 1-3238.