Share joy, dignity, and good food this holiday season
›› Mila Czemerys
In a year marked by soaring food prices and growing economic uncertainty, the simple act of putting fresh, nourishing meals on the table has become an increasingly difficult challenge for many families in our community. For those in need, Fernwood NRG’s Gift of Good Food holiday fundraiser is providing vital support.
Running until December 31, 2024, the annual fundraiser aims to raise $150,000 to support programs that deliver fresh produce, shared meals, and communitybased food initiatives to families, youth, and seniors across the Capital Region.
With 1 in 5 British Columbians experiencing food insecurity, the demand for dignified and consistent food access is rising. Increasing costs, the housing crisis, and the lingering effects of the pandemic have created an environment where families are forced to choose between basic necessities like rent and groceries.
“The cost of food is soaring, and many of our neighbors are struggling to make ends meet,” said Aaren Topley of Fernwood NRG. “This fundraiser helps ensure they don’t have to face those impossible choices alone.”
How the program works
The Gift of Good Food ensures dignified access to nutritious food for those in need, offering fresh fruits and vegetables through the Good Food Box program. By providing food without differentiating between paying customers and those receiving it for free, the program minimizes stigma. Funds raised also support weekly community meals that foster connection and conversation, as well as the Best Babies program, which provides perinatal support for new and expecting parents. Additionally, this initiative partners with local neighborhood houses and community centers to expand food security efforts across the region.
For many, the impact of these programs goes beyond physical nourishment. “It’s an amazing program that helps our family stay healthy and nourished not only physically but emotionally as well,” shared one recipient.
Another participant reflected on the broader sense of belonging the program fosters: “The community center is such a central part of our lives now that it’s hard to imagine our lives without it. We’ve made many friends, and it has become a welcome and supportive fixture in our lives.”
How to help
The Gift of Good Food fundraiser offers several ways for community members to get involved:
- Donate: Contributions can be made online at thegiftofgoodfood.ca/donate or in person at the Fernwood Community Centre (1240 Gladstone Avenue). Donations of $20 or more are eligible for a charitable tax receipt.
- Participate in the Online Auction: From December 11–13, bid on items donated by
local businesses at airauctioneer.com/giftof-good-food-auction-2024
- Start a Fundraising Team: Team up with friends, family, or coworkers to raise funds together. Learn how at fernwoodnrg. ca/ggf-fundraising-teams
- Spread the Word: Share the fundraiser through social media or with your community to help amplify the message.
Voices from the community
Testimonials from participants underscore the program’s impact. Ruth, a community member, described the program as “bringing relief, healthy nutrition, and a sense of community hope.”
Donika, another recipient, shared the joy her family experiences from the Good Food Box: “We call it our lucky week every time we get it—fresh produce and always some fruits for the kids to eat on the way home.”
Making a difference
The Gift of Good Food is more than a holiday fundraiser; it’s a year-round commitment to providing food access— and building a community filled with
warmth, connection, and justice. Every dollar raised brings fresh, nutritious food to families while reinforcing the connections that make neighbourhoods stronger.
“Food brings people from many cultures together, and for our diverse staff and community members, it has been at the heart of cherished family memories and meaningful connections. This program offers nutritious food to new families and their children while fostering opportunities to bond with other families—connections that often grow into lifelong friendships,” said Rana Battah, Director of Community Programs at Fernwood NRG.
As 2024 draws to a close, Fernwood NRG is calling on the community to step up and support their neighbours in need. Whether through a donation, a bid in the online auction, or a grassroots fundraising effort, every contribution helps ensure that our neighbours feel the support of their community, not only during this holiday season but throughout 2025. For more info visit thegiftofgoodfood.ca/donate
Feature Fernwood Photovoice Project page 5
and views from the heart of Fernwood
Give the Gift of Good Food this holiday season and support folks who need it in your community. Thanks to our amazing Good Food Box volunteers and staff who pack Good Food Boxes weekly (some of which are pictured above). Photo: Don Craig
Published by Fernwood Neighbourhood Resource Group
Editorial Committee
Chantille Viaud Mila Czemerys
Founding Editor Lisa Helps
Contributors
Mila Czemerys Chantille Viaud
Brandi Lancaster Aaren Topley
Lisa Helps Christian Caicedo
Kayla Siefried Grace Lore, MLA
Lauren Gaultier Mark Dusseault
Laurel Collins, MP
Art Don Craig Axel
Chantille Viaud Jess Barton
David Cooper
Production Mila Czemerys
Contact us
1240 Gladstone Ave, Victoria, BC V8T 1G6
T 250.381.1552 F 250.381.1509
info@fernwoodnrg.ca | villagevibe.ca
To advertise, contact ads@fernwoodnrg.ca
The views expressed in the Village Vibe do not necessarily reflect the views of Fernwood NRG.
We gratefully acknowledge that Fernwood, our community where we live, work and play resides on the territory of the Lekwungen peoples, the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations.
declaration of principles & values
›› We are committed to creating a socially, environmentally, and economically sustainable neighbourhood;
›› We are committed to ensuring neighbourhood control or ownership of neighbourhood institutions and assets;
›› We are committed to using our resources prudently and to becoming financially self-reliant;
›› We are committed to the creation and support of neighbourhood employment;
›› We are committed to engaging the dreams, resources, and talents of our neighbours and to fostering new links between them;
›› We are committed to taking action in response to neighbourhood issues, ideas, and initiatives;
›› We are committed to governing our organization and serving our neighbourhood democratically with a maximum of openness, inclusivity and kindness;
›› We are committed to developing the skills, capacity, self-worth, and excellence of our neighbours and ourselves;
›› We are committed to focusing on the future while preserving our neighbourhood’s heritage and diversity;
›› We are committed to creating neighbourhood places that are vibrant, beautiful, healthy, and alive;
›› and, most of all, We are committed to having fun!
editorial: Meet the community leaders behind Fernwood Neighbourhood House
Meet our volunteer Board of Directors
›› Chantille Viaud
At Fernwood Neighbourhood House, we believe in the power of community-led change. Guiding our efforts is a passionate volunteer Board of Directors, each bringing diverse skills, lived experiences, and deep connections to Fernwood. Their leadership ensures we remain true to our mission: fostering a vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable neighbourhood.
Our Board works alongside staff to set the strategic direction of Fernwood Neighbourhood House, ensure financial stewardship, and maintain accountability to the community. Their dedication strengthens every aspect of our work, supporting the growth, resilience, and well-being of our neighbourhood.
We are proud to introduce our 2024-25 Board of Directors:
Christy Pham, Director: Bringing experience in capital markets and investments, Christy is passionate about addressing climate change and social inequities through sustainable business strategies.
Eric Swanson, Co-Chair: A public interest advocate with expertise in policy and community wealth-building, Eric is driven by a passion for fostering local resilience and civic engagement.
Jade Ashbourne, Director: Bringing in expertise in housing, labour advocacy, and queer & trans activism, Jade is com-
mitted to creating inclusive spaces where all members of the community can belong and thrive.
Jesse Margolus, Secretary: With over a decade of experience in housing and food security, Jesse is passionate about finding solutions to community challenges and improving access to essential resources.
Justin Best, Co-Chair: A healthcare professional with deep community roots, Justin is dedicated to supporting food security initiatives and fostering connections that strengthen Fernwood’s sense of belonging.
Lisa Matthaus, Director: Lisa uses her government relations, campaign strategy, and community organizing skills to advocate for sound environmental policies that
keep our neighbourhoods and our world livable.
Rob Gillezeau, Treasurer: An economist and educator, Rob brings his academic expertise and experience in economic policy to ensure transparent and equitable financial stewardship.
We are deeply grateful for the time, energy, and vision these individuals contribute. Together, they embody the spirit of volunteerism that makes Fernwood thrive.
If you’re inspired by their work and want to make a difference, consider joining our Board or volunteering with us. For inquiries, contact our Co-Chairs at chair@ fernwoodnrg.ca . Let’s build a stronger Fernwood, together!
mark your calendar: Coastal Bead Collective and Friends Holiday Market
Visit us at the Fernwood Community Centre on December 14, 3-8pm
›› Brandi Lancaster
Coastal Bead Collective is dedicated to uplifting Indigenous artists from various territories across Turtle Island and that is how came up with hosting an Indigenous Holiday market. We’ve been fortunate to make friends from many territories and of various mediums in the art world and wanted to help them out in any way we could this holiday season.
With the art world Indigenous artists are finally getting their flowers they’ve deserved for so long for their art work. Precious knowledge passed down surviving generations of colonization to continue to this day to create unique pieces enveloped in cultural teachings, revitalization, and love for their people. This is what we thrive to spread. We also wanted to help the broader urban community this holiday season with non-perishable food donations for a local food bank in Victoria this season. Life is hard, life is expensive, and we wanted to help folks out because everyone could use help now and then. We love our community, culture(s), and the land we live on. Let
us all try and make a small difference in the world in any way we can.
Support Indigenous artists, support local, and support your community this holiday season. Amazon won’t notice a sale, but the artists will this holiday season. You could be helping them with bills, rent, or making their Christmas less stressful.
Beadwork, Carving, Silver carved jewelry, Antler and Fur jewelry (sustainably harvested), knitted items, Apparel, and more!
The Bannock room food truck will also be set up!
We can’t wait to see you there on December 14!
Fernwood NH’s Board of Directors (Left to Right) Christy Pham, Jade Ashbourne, Lisa Matthaus, Eric Swanson, Jesse Margolus, and Justin Best (missing Rob Gillezeau). Photo: Chantille Viaud
buzz: Building community & change through food
›› Aaren Topley
As we enter the reflective winter months, I’ve been thinking about the small joys we bring into our work and how they ripple outward. One teaching that has stayed with me comes from Coast Salish wisdom: when preparing food for the community, we must bring good energy into it, because food is medicine.
This teaching resonates deeply with the work we do at Fernwood Neighbourhood House, especially with our new Culturally Significant Box pilot project in partnership with Iyé Creative. We’ve had the privilege of partnering with incredible farmers along the way, like Farm or Die, The Plot Market Garden, FarmFolk CityFolk, The Giving Garden, FED, and North Star Organics.
Iyé Creative has been actively working to bridge cultural food gaps through their Culturally Relevant Crops for Communities (CRCC) project, which focuses on growing crops that are meaningful to diverse communities’ cultural and ancestral foodways. Farmers play a central role in
this work, fostering equity and connection in our community through the food they grow.
When the Good Food Box team receives this produce, they carry that energy forward, packing the boxes with joy. There’s music, laughter, and conversation filling the space as volunteers come together to pack boxes. When community members pick up their boxes, the joy on their faces is evident. For many, the produce brings memories of family and heritage, offering a sense of connection to parents, grandparents, and ancestors through its look, feel, and smell. I imagine these boxes traveling home, where the ingredients come to life in kitchens and are shared with loved ones.
Food is central to our work at Fernwood Neighbourhood House, a non-profit that feels like a home away from home. The Good Food Box is more than just a service; it’s a thread that binds us together, a reminder that food is medicine when grown, packed, and shared with love. Each box tells a story of community, care, and joy—one we are proud to share with Fernwood and beyond.
FCAA: Introducing the FCAA & Senior’s Yoga
This fall, after 50 years of serving the community as the Fernwood Community Association (the FCA) our membership voted to change our name to the Fernwood Community and Arts Association (the FCAA!) and to add affordable and accessible arts and culture space and program officially to our mandate.
Our work in the community continues with a focus right now on Little Fernwood as an arts venue with continued rental of the hall and gallery, plus programming, events, workshops, co-working spaces, artist studios and more.
This fall with community volunteers and donations, we’ve had two work parties to clean and sort Little Fernwood from top to bottom and to paint the Paul Phillips Hall – it’s now a true black box theatre. Next year – subject to an upcoming fundraising campaign – we’ll be installing new floors in the Hall, the Little Fernwood Gallery and the Store Front Studio to make it both more beautiful and more user friendly, especially for our moms and babies yoga classes. And, in the new year, Vic High arts students will be painting
a mural in the Little Gladstone Studio upstairs, which gets tonnes of community use – from theatre rehearsals to support group meetings.
Interested in staying in touch with all we’re up to, head to thefca.ca and sign up for our newsletter!
Coming in January: When the FCAA hosted a visioning party in February 2024, one of the top requests for programming at Little Fernwood was for seniors’ yoga. We’re excited that starting in January, Roxie Fehr from Across the Water will be offering Yoga for Seniors Friday’s at 1pm at Little Fernwood, with tea to follow. Here’s what she says:
Embrace Movement, Relaxation, and Community. Join us for gentle, inclusive yoga classes tailored specifically for seniors! This class offers a welcoming and relaxed environment to explore movement, balance, and flexibility at your own pace. Every session focuses on accessible postures, breathing exercises, and gentle stretches to enhance mobility, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being.
You can learn more and sign up here! acrossthewater.me or email roxie@ acrossthewater.me to learn more.
(Left to right) Emma, Aaren, Ariel, and Jess with Culturally Significant Boxes, from the pilot project partnership between Iyé Creative and the Good Food Box. Photo: Jess Barton
›› Lisa Helps
feature:
Fernwood Photovoice Project
A visual conversation with our community
›› Christian Caicedo
The Fernwood Photovoice Project
is growing and providing a unique platform for community members to express themselves through photography and storytelling. Rooted in Fernwood’s rich artistic spirit—spanning music, theatre, painting, and mural painting—this initiative combines both photography and storytelling as a tools for social change and community engagement.
At its core, Photovoice is a participatory method that empowers individuals to share their personal experiences, challenges, and community memories through images. By capturing everyday moments and significant events, participants highlight both the beauty and complexity of life in Fernwood. Fernwood NRG recognizes that community participation is the best way to make decisions that truly reflect the needs and desires of its residents. Through this collaborative process, Fernwood NRG helps ensure that everyone’s story is heard and valued, creating a more inclusive and engaged community.
What sets Fernwood Photovoice apart is its emphasis on community involvement from the very beginning. Together with residents, we’ve decided on key locations and events to photograph, selected accessible devices—from instant cameras to smartphones—and identified skills people want to learn. This led to the creation of three successful storytelling workshops, bringing together community members, volunteers, university students, and local non-profits. Originally launched at the Fernwood Community Dinner, the project’s impact has expanded to other initiatives, events, and programs. Today, more than 900 photos—both digital and physical—showcase Fernwood as a place to live, work, and visit.
Now, we’re putting together a core team to host “Photo Conversations”—community-led discussions around the photos
and stories that best capture our collective memories. This group will also play a key role in selecting the stories that will be featured in the exhibition, as well as deciding together on the best way to design and present it. Yes! we’re planning a physical and digital exhibition for early 2025. Whether you want to contribute your photos, be part of the Photo Conversations, or get involved in this growing project in any way, contact Christian at Christian.C@ fernwoodnrg.ca
Join us in capturing Fernwood’s story, one photo at a time.
(Above) Fernwood Photovoice is a communitybased project that invites anyone to take part by shooting photos and sharing stories. (Right) Photo and words by Danika Miciano. Collages: Christian Caicedo
›› Kayla Siefried
If you’re the gardening type, it’s likely you’ve already laid your garden beds to rest for the fall covering them with a deep mulch of deciduous leaves or straw. This protects the soil from wind and rain erosion, from dramatic temperature swings, and keeps microbes thriving. Perhaps you also have some overwintering vegetables in your garden – purple sprouting broccoli, cauliflower, kales. If that’s the case, keep your eyes on the weather for any deep sub-zero dips in temperature. If you see it on the forecast, give your veggie plants an extra chance at survival by putting some extra leaf mulch on the soil, and cover them in a tarp, sheets, or towels to increase the temperature and keep precious plants growth cells from dying off in the cold.
On a completely different note, if you’ve been by the Compost Education Centre
op ed:
(CEC) at 1216 North Park Street in the past couple months, you’ve likely noticed some change!
For the past 4 years since the Caledonia Housing Development was in its consultation phase, the CEC has known that our site footprint would be impacted, beyond our control. Vining needed to be widened into the gardens and expanded out into North Park street. In the process, some precious old apple and eucalyptus trees were taken down, as well as some garden beds and our greenhouse. We’ll be re-planting some fruit trees at the south end of the site (sadly, not a replacement for the ecosystem services that large mature trees provide) and building a new greenhouse. New allotment plots have been created, and much of the eucalyptus was chipped and we’ve spread those chips around the site, and they will continue their life as they decompose and build soil.
Additionally, larger, straight logs from the eucalyptus were milled up beautifully, and we are now selling them as a fundraiser for the CEC! Please consider purchasing a memento from the eucalyptus tree for your next project. Check out socials or give us a call to hear more (250) 386-WORM. Enjoy these pre-solstice dark days Fernwood!
43rd Parliament: Delivering on the Priorities of British Columbians
››
Grace Lore, MLA for Victoria-Beacon Hill
I am deeply grateful for your trust and support in re-electing me as your MLA. It’s an honor to continue representing our community and advocating for the issues that matter most. Together, we’ve made meaningful progress, and I’m excited to build on this momentum. From tackling housing affordability to promoting community wellness, I remain committed to advancing our shared priorities and creating a brighter future for everyone.
I’m also proud to continue serving as Minister for Children and Families. This role is the honour and responsibility of a lifetime, and I am dedicated to driving meaningful change for children and
families across B.C. The Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD) requires bold reforms to enhance family well-being, early intervention, and holistic supports. We’re working to ensure every child has the opportunity to thrive while advancing reconciliation by returning jurisdiction over child and family services to First Nations. Together, we can build a system that empowers families and strengthens communities.
This election was historic—women now outnumber men in the Legislative Assembly for the first time in B.C. Our cabinet reflects this progress, with women holding 16 of the 27 ministerial roles. Key additions include the Ministers of State for Children and Youth with Support Needs, Community Safety and Integrated Services, and Local Govern-
ments and Rural Communities. A new dedicated mining portfolio will enhance B.C.’s role as a clean-energy leader, while integrating mental health and addictions into the Ministry of Health ensures a more comprehensive approach to care.
As we begin this term, our government remains focused on lowering costs for families, improving healthcare, making communities safer, and building a fair, inclusive economy. These efforts are rooted in strong partnerships with Indigenous communities and bold actions to combat climate change—essential to a sustainable future for British Columbia.
If you have questions or want to learn more about our cabinet or initiatives, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Together, we’re shaping a better future for all British Columbians.
›› Lauren Gaultier
Fernwood is lighting up this holiday season with a delightful array of festive food specials and community events, making it the perfect spot for you and your neighbors to savor the spirit of the holidays.
Shine Café
For the month of December, they will have two festive dishes: a sweet treat featuring caramelized pears, mulled wine reduction, and toasted hazelnut crumble, and a savory Eggs Benedict with houseroasted turkey breast, bacon-sautéed Brussels sprouts, and yam “potato scones” topped with herb hollandaise. Seasonal drinks include an Eggnog Latte and a Terry’s Chocolate Orange Mocha.
The Fernwood Inn
If you are still looking for a place to book your holiday event for groups of 12 or more email bookthefernwood@gmail. com. Smaller groups can reserve by calling 250-412-2001
Fernwood General Store
They are offering a special deal. Receive $10 off when you spend $50—perfect for picking up unique holiday gifts or everyday essentials while supporting a local business.
Fernwood Coffee Company
Looking for gifts? Fernwood Coffee is offering up to 20% off gift sets and stocking stuffers for coffee lovers, available at fernwoodcoffee.com
Jones BBQ
Planning to skip cooking this Christmas? Jones BBQ is offering a fully prepared Christmas Dinner for $55 per person (minimum of two, served in multiples of two). The feast includes smoked turkey, yam and golden beet pave, cheesy broccoli casserole, roasted root vegetables, and a decadent apple crumble. Vegetarian options are also available. Pickup is on December 24, with orders closing December 18. Secure your dinner at ticketscandy.com
Koffi (and friends)
The Oaklands community will host the Haultain Corners Holiday Soirée on Friday, December 13, from 4 to 8 pm. This festive event will feature live music, mulled wine, inshop raffles, and special promotions from U Retreat Wellness, Hemma, Koffi, The Local General Store, and Field Day Hair Studio. The soirée is open to everyone and promises a lively, community-focused celebration. Fernwood offers everything you need for a joyful holiday season.
mark your calendar: Mom’s the Word: Talkin’ Turkey
The Moms tackle Christmas
›› Mark Dusseault
It started as a lark and transformed into an international success.
Thirty-one years ago, six new mothers— once glamorous actors, now exhausted mothers with ten children under six between them, started a writing group. Every Saturday morning, they would share their stories about motherhood.
They talked, they laughed, they whined, they complained, and they laughed some more. In 1993 they were offered a spot at the Women in View Festival. Suddenly their first performance was just three weeks away and they had nothing on paper.
“I would say the thing that surprised us most with the first one was how many people cared,” said co-creator and performer Robin Nichol. “We expected that the only people interested in what we were talking about (babies) would be other mothers, but it turned out to be way more universal. We were also surprised that we’d written a comedy - didn’t realize that until we were in front of an audience!”
The new show was an instant hit. They
started touring Canada and their touching and hilarious way of talking of motherhood started to catch on. As their children started to age, they created Mom’s the Word 2: Unhinged, Mom’s the Word: Remixed, and Mom’s the Word: Nest 1⁄2 Empty.
Their plays have been performed in over nineteen countries, including a run in London’s West End, Just for Laughs (Montreal) and the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.
“What surprised and still surprises me the most is whatever happens to come out of our mouths; no matter how personal our experiences may feel: someone in the audience has felt that too,” said co-creator and performer Barbara Pollard.
Two million audience members later, they are bringing their latest show, Mom’s the Word: Talkin’ Turkey, to the Belfry.
“I’d lost the spirit,” says co-creator and performer Jill Daum, “but writing this show has made me appreciate Christmas again.”
It’s a celebration of womanhood, parenting, and the humor that can be found in the most trying situations. Having a tough time getting in the spirit of the season? The Moms see you.
Pay-what-you-want tickets are available for Mom’s the Word: Talkin’ Turkey.
op ed: Support for a Youth Climate Corps
›› Laurel Collins, MP for Victoria
When I speak with young constituents, I often hear about their frustrations regarding the lack of action the federal government has taken on climate and their eagerness to be a part of the solutions that Canadians need.
As the climate crisis continues to escalate, it’s critical that we equip youth with skills that will help them build a more resilient future.
By establishing a Youth Climate Corps, Canada could create a crown corporation dedicated to empowering and training young people to take on the climate emergencies they’ll continue to face in their lifetimes. Through broad scale mobilization, we could address our gravest challenges head on.
A Youth Climate Corps would employ hundreds of thousands of young adults aged 17 to 35 to help support Canada’s climate emergency response, strengthen both community and environmental resilience and build infrastructure that would decrease Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions.
Individuals would learn how to build affordable transportation systems, retrofit buildings, create more sustainable housing options and generate renewable energy systems like solar, wind and heat pumps.
Young people would be trained to help respond to wildfires, heat domes and flooding. Climate Corps members would address our challenges on all levels - from adaptation management to structural measures. Funding this program would better protect our communities against climate extremes, because our next generation of workers would be prepared for the tasks ahead.
The Corps would centre Indigenous leadership in its decision making and amplify the voices of First Nations, Inuit and Métis people. It would ensure that all apprenticeships and jobs offer thriving wages and union representation. And it would create millions of new opportunities while harnessing the passion and power that young people have to protect and uphold Canadians’ right to a healthy environment.
Together, we can build a more resilient future by establishing a Youth Climate Corps.
WEDNESDAY
Jill Daum, Barbara Pollard, Deborah Williams, Alison Kelly and Robin Nichol in Mom’s the Word: Talking Turkey. Photo: David Cooper
