Official Opening of “Your Community Garden” Project

On June 13, 2024, Portage Atlantic celebrated the official opening of the Your Community Garden Project in partnership with the Lions N1 District. The event was a tremendous success, marked by the recognition of 18 generous donors. Each donor was invited to come up to the Garden signage and place a leaf identified with their name or organization, onto our symbolic tree. For those donors who were unable to attend, a couple of youth in treatment offered to graciously place the leaves on their behalf.

Our recognized donors were Canadian National (CN), Carol and Garth Christie, In memory of Winnie Boone, In memory of Norman Pollock, Telus Friendly Future Foundation, The McCain Foundation, The Windsor Foundation, Joan Routledge, United Commercial Travellers – Jack Kidd Council 755, Cymbria Lions, Geary Lions, Hampton Lions, Harvey Station Lions, Hunter River Lions, Moncton Lions, Nashwaaksis Lions, Riverview Lions, and Sussex Lions.

The Garden serves as a fundraiser for programs and services at Portage Atlantic, with a portion of donations dedicated to the garden’s growth. "Your Community Garden" will enhance the beauty of our property and connect with the existing Recovery Trail. Most importantly, this project will provide an opportunity for donors and supporters to work alongside youth in treatment, offering them valuable volunteer experiences. As Tambrie Hicks, Director of the Center, said, "This is a garden of the future – the future youth, staff, and volunteers of Portage Atlantic. As Audrey Hepburn said, ‘To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow.’"

The Garden’s signage features 100 leaves, symbolizing its continuous growth and the many lives it will touch over the years.

Background: In 1998, the Lions Foundation’s Memorial Forest was established in Breslau, Ontario at the Dog Guide Training and Breeding Center, an organization supported by Lions International. Over 3030 trees have been planted in memory of Lions members across Canada. Facing limited space, the District N1 Lions approached Portage Atlantic to recreate a similar project, leading to the creation of Your Community Garden.