Valleyview Co-op Supports Community Garden
December 13, 2023

Photo:

Mat Hipwell (Virden Ag and Parts), Jamie Charette (Valleyview Co-op Petroleum Manager), Jon Bell (Sioux Valleyview Dakota Nation Councillor), Shane Mazawasicuna (Community Gardener), Ainsley Tacan (Community Gardener), Jennifer McIvor (Community Garden & Greenhouse Coordinator), Amber Vandale Torrance (Public Relations/Marketing Manager Valleyview Co-op), Greg Gill (General Manager Valleyview Co-op), Neil Wanbdiska (Director of Infrastructure, SVDN).

Valleyview Consumers Co-operative Ltd is proud to announce a $10,000 donation to the Sioux Valley Dakota Nation Community Garden Program. The funds supported the purchase of a Kioti K9 2440 side-by-side vehicle for use by the SVDN Community Garden Program.

"We are honoured to donate to Sioux Valley Dakota Nation and contribute to the well-being and development of the community. Valleyview Co-op recognizes the rich cultural heritage and resilience of Indigenous peoples, and we are commited to supporting initiatives that empower and uplift their communities," said Greg Gill, General Manager at Valleyview Co-op.


SVDN Garden Coordinator Jennifer McIvor says the ATV delivered by Virden Ag and Parts October 18th, 2023, will be an essential addition to the community garden. "With the hard work and dedication of the Community Garden team, the goal was to expand to provide enough produce to make a significant contribution to the health and well-being of all community members. With the addition of an All-Terrain Vehicle, we are one giant step closer to making that wish a reality. By utilizing the ATV, we can transport equipment and supplies more efficiently. During the hot summer months, this helps the gardeners, as it becomes even more challenging to work during the peak of Summer and middle of the growing season.”

Over two years, the SVDN Community Garden has expanded from 20,000 square feet to almost 3 acres of growing space with a winterized greenhouse, a small saskatoon orchard, a native plant/herb pollinator garden and a Growcer hydroponics modular farm.