With Earth Day coming up this week, I’ve been thinking a lot about the amazing impact that a group of people who share the same values can have in bringing about change. I know that small actions do bring big change when there is a coordinated effort because I’ve seen it.

And it doesn’t take millions of people to do it. Small groups and individuals can have huge impact as well. Take Vancity for example. Our commitment to taking action on climate change has resulted in: reducing our organization’s carbon footprint year over year; the creation of products and services to help our members do the same; and hundreds of thousands of dollars being awarded to community groups that are finding ways to take action on climate change.

But as I said, it’s the seemingly small things that individuals do on a daily basis that brings about change. And sometimes I don’t think we do enough to recognize and appreciate these.

Projects in Place is gearing up for our latest community build and we’re looking for volunteers! SOLEfood, an initiative of United We Can, will see the creation of an urban farm on five vacant lots next to the Astoria Hotel in Vancouver’s Downtown East Side.
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The Farm will transform more than 15,000 square feet of unused asphalt parking space at the corner Hastings and Hawks Ave into a fully functioning farm. Through this project inner city residents will find employment; community kitchens will gain a valuable source of local and organic food; and community members can find a social hub and information source.
Projects In Place, Sharp & Diamond Landscape Architects Inc. have been working with United We Can develop a master plan and Vision for the farm. This first build is part of a larger initiative undertaken by Save Our Living Environment (SOLE). Some of the many groups involved in this project include:
Building Opportunities with Business
Kristina Welch and the Centre for Sustainability and Social Innovation
Louise of the Recycling Alternative
Toby Barazzuol of Eclipse Awards and SBIA
Potluck Cafe
VEEES
Green Inner-city Cluster members
Participants and organizers of last week’s Ideas Jam
Next week’s build will see the first phase of the farm become a reality. By Spring of 2009, the hope is to have a fully functioning urban farm along Hastings Street.

Come out to help bring this new development into being Saturday October 31st. We will be kicking off the farm raising at 10am. Light refreshments will be provided. Participants will build planters, compost bins, a community mural and a garden shed. Volunteer spots may be limited. For more information and pre-registration please email us at projectsinplace@gmail.com