Volunteers from the USW Northeastern Ontario Area Council (NEOAC) have made a significant contribution to the Chelmsford Community Food Forest as part of their second annual “good works” project.
Some 20 Steelworkers from Sudbury, Timmins and Sault Ste. Marie came together in early October to collaborate with the non-profit group Sudbury Shared Harvest to revitalize the green space at Côté Park.
The volunteers worked diligently to install a new walking path, remove overgrown weeds and place landscaping stones, helping restore the food forest, which had been neglected recently. As part of the United Way’s Day of Caring, the Steelworkers’ efforts included the construction of bat boxes, which were designed and built by one of the union’s members. Local business Fisher Wavy generously donated materials to support the project.
Sudbury Shared Harvest’s community engagement co-ordinator expressed gratitude for the Steelworkers taking on such an ambitious project, noting the potential for the space to become a vital resource for the Chelmsford community.
This year’s work follows NEOAC’s 2023 project in Timmins, where volunteers spent a day assisting at local food bank gardens, making a tangible difference in the community. Next year’s project is already set to take place in Sault Ste. Marie, further demonstrating the union’s commitment to supporting communities across Northeastern Ontario.
The NEOAC’s ongoing involvement in these community-driven initiatives is a testament to the power of union solidarity and volunteerism. It reinforces the positive impact that organized labour can have on local food security and urban green spaces, inspiring others to follow suit.
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