Vernon wood workers help food society with gardening need

Photo: Ray Verlage

Buffy Rivard (FAS), Bill, Tom, Dave, and Gerry from MSV with cedar garden box.

When the Food Action Society in wanted some raised garden beds, the Men's Shed Vernon came running - tools in hand.

The Food Action Society is a non-profit charitable organization dedicated to raising awareness and addressing issues surrounding food security in the North Okanagan.

According to their website, they have a mission to “improve individual and community food security by cultivating a healthy, sustainable regional food system via education, community action, programming, policy development and partnerships.”

The Men's Shed Vernon is a collecting of mostly retired gentlemen who get together several times a week to build a variety of wood products.

So when the Food Action Society needed some wooden raised garden beds, who better to call.

“The Men’s Shed Vernon places other not-for-profit groups at the top of their priority list,” said Ray Verlage, with the group.

“With over 40 members, the Men’s Shed Vernon guys had a great time working shoulder-to-shoulder to complete more than 35 projects for local organizations in the last three years.”

To help the Food Action Society, the group of wood workers sourced cedar lumber from Mar-Dan Lumber, built a prototype and created a quote for the society.

“The first five boxes were delivered to site this week. The Food Action Society will now be able to welcome new families to their community garden,” said Verlage.