Annual Report 2016
A Word from the Chair ›› hen I pause to think about Fernwood, the neighbourhood we call home, I can’t help but think about the ‘Fernwood State of Mind’ (apologies to Billy Joel). Fun and creative things happen in this neighbourhood, and we also do our best to try to pull together and do good things for each other. This ‘state of mind’ was on full display this past year as Fernwood NRG continued to move a major project along, our mixed use development at 1310 Gladstone. A key hurdle was obtaining city approvals for our plans. This meant a public hearing at City Hall where Fernwood residents lined up to speak about the project. Apart from supporting this project, the kind words and support for Fernwood NRG was truly humbling. On behalf of the board, I would like to thank everyone who attended that meeting and spoke about our organization as well as your neighbourhood. City Council approved our plans and we will be breaking ground on this new building in the spring of 2017. I would be remiss if I didn’t take this opportunity to talk about why we embarked on the 1310 project. Approximately 6 years ago we hosted the Neighbourhood Visioning Forum. Fernwood residents said they wanted a vibrant thriving village,
W
affordable housing, affordable childcare and food security. As a mixed use project— commercial and residential—the 1310 project is intended directly to meet two of those needs by creating space for a healthy businesses and affordable housing. At the same time, the revenues which are generated by 1310, and other operations like the Cornerstone Café and Studio 1313 Hair Design, provide us with a stable source of income to fund our other programs like child care and food security. Speaking of our family programs, they continue to be foundational to what we do. Fernwood NRG staff work hard day in and day out to care for Fernwood kids. If they are wee babes with working parents, pre-schoolers with fun on their minds, or elementary kids with questions, Fernwood’s family programs are there for them. The organization’s staff strive to provide a rich experience for all of these kids. As a parent with a child in Out of School Care, I see kind and creative staff doing interesting things with kids every day. I feel confident that as these kids grow up they are going to be healthy and caring kids that make the world a better place. Fernwood NRG continues to pursue strategies to address food security. One of the most visible pieces of this work is
Michael Lancaster
the Good Food Box. Fernwood NRG has expanded its work with other organizations in Victoria to provide an affordable source of fresh fruits and vegetables. As food becomes more and more expensive, we know it will be harder for people. If you aren’t familiar with it, check it out at thegoodfoodbox.ca. Part of the Good Food Box program includes the Gift of Good Food fundraising campaign, which in 2016 raised over $65,000 to provide 130 families with a large Good Food Box every two weeks for all of 2017. Now that’s a Fernwood State of Mind.
The Fernwood State of Mind also includes the events in our neighbourhood. Our organization puts on FernFest, Fernwood Bites, Pole Painting and more. We introduced a new event this year—Fernwood Lights. If you missed it, watch for it. It’s a winter festival bringing food, drink and fun to an otherwise dark winter night. We haven’t yet set the date for 2017, but stay tuned! In conclusion, on behalf of the Board, a big thanks to all of our staff, the neighbourhood businesses and organizations, and all of you who keep on living the dream in a ‘Fernwood State of Mind.’ 2016 Annual Report
page 1