Castlegar’s Garden of Hope is one step closer to a reality. Volunteers gathered last Thursday at the Castlegar Chamber of Commerce to plant 1500 daffodil bulbs.
The new garden is a creation of Castlegar Communities in Bloom and was done as a partnership fundraiser for the Canadian Cancer Society. Bulbs for the garden were sold as a sponsorship and over $1600 was raised for cancer research and prevention.
Allison Mccarthy, Revenue Development Coordinator for the Canadian Cancer Society was exited when she was approached by Castlegar Communities in Bloom with the idea for the Garden of Hope. It is the first garden of its kind in the area that she is aware of. “I would like to thank Darlene Kalawsky and the Castlegar Communities in Bloom team,” said MacCarthy.
Castlegar Chamber of Commerce executive director Tammy Verigin-Burk is pleased that the chamber grounds were chosen as the location for the new garden. “We are so deeply honoured to have this garden here at the chamber office because I think that not only does it support our community and all of the people who are survivors of cancer, but it honours those who have passed due to cancer,” said Burk. “It is a good way to pay our respects. Also for any visitor who comes to our town, they can see it and they can appreciate it and hopefully pay their respects as well.”
With the hard work over, all that is left is to wait for spring.