Updates on KidsGrow! activity

After taking into careful consideration the current situation in Hillhurst Sunnyside, the KidsGrow! team has come to decision to postpone activity in the Hillhurst Sunnyside Community Garden until further notice. Once we can guarantee that the area is safe for kids to be playing and working in, we will begin to resume work in the garden, and we will announce the next KidsGrow! date for Hillhurst Sunnyside. 

In the meantime, everyone is invited to the Silver Springs location, where some tasty looking veggies are starting to sprout up.  Join us this Saturday at our Silver Springs location for some fun activities and a supportive atmosphere. We hope to see you there!

Our Silver Springs location looks great,
and would love some more helpers for weeding!

We hope everyone is doing well and staying safe. Please know that the KidsGrow! community is here to support the community in whatever ways we can, and we hope to resume work in Hillhurst Sunnyside as soon as we can. 

Help support the Hillhurst Sunnyside Community

Over the past few days, areas of Southern Alberta including the city of Calgary have experienced unprecedented damage due to extensive flooding. Hundreds of thousands of people have been affected, and many communities have been affected. Among these communities include Hillhurst Sunnyside, the location of one of the gardens that KidsGrow! operates out of. 

The KidsGrow! team is heartbroken over the damage to the community, and we want to help in any way that we can. If you are interested in helping the Hillhurst Sunnyside community, the Hilhurst Sunnyside Community Association Facebook page will be acting as a source of updates and an area to coordinate volunteers. If you do not have Facebook, please contact Quentin Sinclair (the Hillhurst Sunnyside Community Association's Executive Director) at volunteer@hillhurstsunnyside.org to learn more about how you can help the Hillhurst Sunnyside community. 

In times like these, we are all reminded of what truly brings Calgarians together; our incredible sense of community. Over the next several days, weeks, and months, our sense of community can only grow as we work together to rebuild our city and our province. Please stand with the Hillhurst Sunnyside Community as we all work together to grow stronger. 

Stay Safe, Stay Strong

Due to the extensive flooding that Calgary and surrounding areas are currently experiencing, all KidsGrow! programming is cancelled for Saturday, June 22nd, 2013. Our thoughts are with all of those in the affected areas, and our hearts go out to everyone who has been forced to evacuate. Please listen carefully for updates on the radio and on the Calgary City News Blog for instructions and recommendations. Safety is our number one priority, and we hope that everyone stays safe and strong during these difficult times.

We would like to offer some resources to everyone, including;

A guide to flood information

• This link will bring you to guidelines for flood evacuation, as well as tips, information and further resources            

Sesame Street Hurricane Tool Kit for Parents and Children

• Although catered to dealing with hurricanes, this toolkit includes tips and information useful for helping children deal with the effects of any natural disaster
• The printable activities offered through the toolkit maybe particularly useful to help keep kids happy and occupied

Get Prepared campaign

• This campaign is helping Canadians prepare for the first 72 hours of an emergency

Plan for caring for pets during an emergency

• This is a difficult time for people and their pets, and this FEMA link can helpful in successfully transitioning pets during an evacuation

Before, During and After Flooding in Calgary: Your Guide to Protecting Family and Property

• This extensive guide contains detailed plans and tips both during and after flooding

Calgary Flood Donation Drop Off Points and Wish Lists

• For those who are able to donate to those affected, this is a great resource on what is needed most and where donations are being accepted

The City of Calgary Youtube Channel

• Updates on the important information about Calgary's condition (featuring Mayor Nenshi) are posted here, making it easy to access in depth updates on important events

Please stay safe and dry, everyone!

Ambassadors of Kids Grow!

Kids Grow! is expanding its borders, reaching the minds and imaginations of kids all over Calgary.

Last week, some friends from Lynnwood in SE Calgary contributed their creativity and art skills in decorating our banner. The activity caught the attention of many neighbourhood kids who all contributed something special to the project. This work was an exercise in cooperation and planning as the team of kids worked together to decide on colours and images they wanted to see depicted. Not only did they work effectively in planning, but they also demonstrated excellent team work by sharing ideas, paint and space with each other.

Here are some pictures of the process!