652 Elizabeth Street

London, Ontario

N5Y 6L3

 

(519) 432-1801

Bringing together individuals, organizations and

 

          resources to foster community action

Past Events

                            By Ross McDermott, LCRC staff

 

 

                                   The London Community Resource Centre’s Community Gardens Program was one of the key

 

                                    topics presented at a recent program to commemorate the International Day for the

 

                                    Elimination of Racial Discrimination held at the Central Library’s Wolf Performance Hall,

 

                                    March 19, 2009.

 

 

                                    The event was co-sponsored by the London Public Library and the Community Committee to

 

 

Commemorate March 21. On that date in 1960 in Sharpeville, South Africa, security forces massacred participants

 

of a peaceful demonstration against apartheid.

 

 

In 1966, the United Nations declared March 21 the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

 

 

At the Wolf Performance Hall event, the LCRC’s Community Gardens Manager, Mary Yanful, presented an

 

informative view of the many services provided by the LCRC, but emphasized, particularly in relation to the

 

Community Gardens Program, the positive socio-cultural aspects experienced by the gardeners of varied cultural

 

and social backgrounds that participate in the program.

 

 

“Community gardening is an important part of urban agriculture and combines food

 

production with urban greening and community development,” Mary said.

 

 

“In addition, each garden site delivers an atmosphere that brings together individuals of varied

 

culture and age, each sharing gardening ideas and casual conversations in the spirit of camaraderie.”

 

 

In making this type of a “community connection,” the LCRC’s Community Gardens Program, along

 

with its many other services, not only helps individuals and families eat nutritiously and affordably, but also

 

offers a valuable tool in combating racism and discrimination.

 

 

After referring to “Mary Yanful’s incredible work,” co-presenter Dr. Meredith Fraser, the Anti-Hate Anti-Bias Program

 

Co-ordinator, said people must unite and build these types of bridges to make a “community connection” in the   

 

                                battle to eliminate hate and discrimination.

 

 

                                She stressed the need for people to come together to participate in events  that promote and                        

                                support diversity and community – which is embodied in the inclusiveness of all  LCRC  programs.

 

 

 

                               “Together we make a positive difference through every single action we undertake,” Dr. Fraser said.

 

 

“A community garden, to us, is a place where groups of people gather not only to grow their own fresh, nutritious

 

and affordable foods, but also to grow friendship and learn to share and care for each other regardless of

 

age, race, culture or social status,” Mary said, adding “Community Gardens do indeed bridge communities.”

 

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The Community Committee to Commemorate March 21^st is comprised of: Baha’I Community of London, Citizenship &

 

Immigration Canada: Multiculturalism Program, London InterCommunity Health Centre, London Police Services, London

 

Public Library, LUSO (London Urban Services Organization), South London Neighbourhood Resource Centre – Settlement

 

Services, University Students’ Council – University of Western Ontario, and member-at-large Milana Trifkovic. 

Building Bridges: Eliminating Racism – LCRC’s Community Gardens plays a role

Mary Yanful, LCRC's Community Garden Manager, makes a presentation during the Building Bridges: Eliminate Racism Program held at the Wolf Performance Hall, March 19, 2009.