When you give to United Way’s Community Fund you help communities come together by sharing knowledge, skills and resources

A family with three children moved from Rwanda to the Greystone community in Spryfield, Halifax. While wandering the neighborhood one afternoon the three siblings found themselves in a garden provided by The Urban Farm Museum Society of Spryfield. Intrigued by the children their own ages who were planting, watering and caring for different types of flowers, fruits and vegetables the Rwandan children stuck around wanting to help out.

Although the three siblings were very shy and could barely speak English, the other children in the garden quickly accepted the newcomers and included them in their gardening tasks. Having strong work ethic and incredible knowledge of gardening practices, the Rwandan children exchanged their skills for language lessons with the other children in the garden.

Although these friendships were established within the garden, they quickly began to expand outside of it to all parts of the community.

Societies like The Urban Farm Museum that dedicate their time and effort to providing youth with extracurricular choices are vital to a healthy and strong community. 90% of the children who use the gardens provided by The Urban Farm Museum Society of Spryfield have made new friends.

By giving to United Way’s Community Fund you give children a chance to make new friends by doing something that benefits the entire community.