Annual Report 2015
A Word from the Chair ››
F
e r n w o o d i s f u n k y. It’s a l s o family-oriented, fun, fresh and for everybody. In 2015, Fernwood NRG worked hard to deliver programs and initiatives that meet the needs of our diverse community. We are your Fernwood Neighbourhood Resource Group. Our daycare programs continue to be the heart of our organization. A young Fernwood tot can take their first steps in our infant and toddler care, graduate to three-to-five care and come back to us as George Jay elementary student for out-of-
school care. This important service helps more and more families each year - in 2015, Fernwood NRG provided daycare for more than 70 children. Some residents might say the Cornerstone Building is the actual beating heart of our organization and neighbourhood. In September 2015, we celebrated the 10th anniversary of the restoration of the Cornerstone building – it’s a visual reminder of the power of community to create great gathering spaces, local employment opportunities and affordable housing.
Kelsey Singbeil
Affordable housing continues to be a key focus for Fernwood NRG. In 2015, we explored the option of purchasing two new properties, 2013 and 2017 Fernwood Road to develop more affordable housing in the neighbourhood. After careful consideration, our board decided not to pursue the purchase. The sites made it challenging for Fernwood NRG to develop a high level of affordable housing and the lack of public funding at the time made the financing of the project particularly tight. Thank you to all the neighbours who took the time to speak with us about the project. In 2015, we continued to work towards a Public Hearing for our property at 1310 Gladstone, which we hope to develop into a mixed-use commercial and residential space as part of the Fernwood Village. It’s our hope that making room for more local businesses, community spaces and residents will add to the lively and walkable centre of the neighbourhood. Food security is an ongoing thread woven into Fernwood NRG’s general programming. We know that growing and having access to healthy, local food is part of a healthy, sustainable neighbourhood. Take a walk past the community centre and you’ll see our kitchen garden growing up, the community orchard branching out
and a range of food-related programming germinating inside. Our weekly Monday night family dinner at the centre continues to serve more than 250 families a month and every day our kitchen cooks, bakes and prepares fresh snacks for our childcare and family support programs. In December 2015, we also launched our Gift of Good Food fundraising campaign, which raised more than $45,000 to provide 90 families with more than 10 tons of fresh food in 2016! If you’re looking for a regular box of fresh, local produce at a reasonable price, check out the Good Food Box program in the Fernwood Community Centre gym every other Wednesday. Last year Fernwood was also a go-to place for community celebrations and events. June’s FernFest was bigger and better than ever and it’s hard to find an unpainted hydro pole in Fernwood after our September pole painting celebration. These events help bring Fernwoodians together – they’re a chance to meet neighbours, dance in the Square, give your hydro pole some artistic flare, and celebrate our great neighbourhood. Thanks to all our neighbours, staff and local businesses for a great 2015 – here’s to staying funky in the years to come! 2015 Annual Report
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