SOG began the new year with enthusiasm and anticipation of continued important deeds. Rita and Elizabeth prepared the final January thirty horticultural therapy bags and they were delivered to joyful recipients. Rita delivered books to book club members and in January, Book Club members enjoyed discussing A Kind Life. In February the book club members learned to improve their health during two Zoom sessions with Natalie Rivier, our favourite nutritionist. Lists of seedlings were sent out to our gardeners and we all looked forward to the upcoming growing season. The Book Club discussed The Serviceberry and The Salt Path in February and March. We were able to purchase three books instead of the two we had planned thanks to the GST holiday in 2024 and the help of Singing Pebble Books. Our Garden Coach advised new and experienced gardeners at the Just Food Seedling Saturday event at their farm in May. We thank him for all the Zoom sessions he also hosted. At the traditional Victoria Day occasion, Betty and Rita drove to the Northern Seeds and the Slow Roots farms to pick up beautiful organic seedlings. We thank our partners at Ottawa Community Housing for helping with the pickup at Slow Roots farm. Gardeners at ten different locations around the city were amazed at the health and beauty of the many seedlings we were able to provide. They grew a bounty of fresh produce and spent time outdoors getting exercise, solving problems, and socializing. We wish to thank the Ottawa Community Foundation for funding all these programs and for giving our seniors the opportunity to improve their health and well-being.
SOG successfully received grant funding from the Province of Ontario’s Senior Community Grant Program during the summer of 2025. This funding enabled us to continue our work to enhance the longevity and health span of seniors in Ottawa. With this funding SOG was able to purchase much needed compost and tools for our gardeners. This will improve the soil for the next gardening season. Since Covid, SOG had not organized harvest celebrations. In the fall of 2025 we helped two groups of gardeners organize a harvest feast to congratulate them on a successful season. Our Garden Coach returned to the Just Food Fall Harvest Celebration to counsel more gardeners and take their questions. Thanks to continued funding and to Rita, our therapeutic horticultural program was able to continue. Thirty isolated seniors received narcissus bulbs, hyacinth bulbs, amaryllis bulbs, and more indoor gardening items in November and December. We purchased our Book Club books early and Rita delivered four books to each member. The year 2025 ended on a high note, we felt we had achieved our goals. We know the upcoming winter of 2026 will be an active one.
