COVID-19 = Feeding our Community
Submitted by WG Jackett & Sons Construction, Youngs Construction, and Rockwood Forest Nurseries
On March 11, the outbreak of COVID-19 was declared a global pandemic.
In response, communities across Ontario and the world are coming together by fundraising for those in need. Our initiative is to feed the community by providing vegetables which are potted in 1-gallon containers, through the support of three industry leaders:
- WG Jackett & Sons Construction (https://www.wgjackett.com/ )
- Youngs Construction (http://youngsconstruction.ca/ )
- Rockwood Forest Nurseries (http://www.rockwoodforest.com/
Our goal is to pot a minimum of 100,000 containers, but with a target of 200,000 containers, starting in early April, with availability for "zero contact" distribution by June.
We plan to grow from seed:
- carrots
- cucumbers
- egg plant
- green and yellow beans
- kale
- lettuce
- radish
- red and green peppers
- peas
- swiss chard
- spinach
- tomatoes
With this initiative, our goal is two-fold, to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission, and provide financial relief to those most in need in our communities.
We will achieve this by providing the container vegetables with "zero contact", and at no cost, to seniors and underprivileged households in the Kawartha Lakes and surrounding communities.
This would provide a safe, sustainable source of fresh vegetables grown in the comfort of one's home.
At this stage we are looking for funding for the following:
- 1-gallon pots
- Potting Soil
- Seeds which will grow in containers
- Watering
- Labor
- Cold frames
- Delivery Service to home (similar to Amazon)
Our goal is to fund this initiative entirely through donations received by mid-April. We estimate the cost per potted plant to be $3.
If we have excess funds we will be donating them to Ross Memorial Hospital and Peterborough Regional Health Center for their front line efforts.
We greatly appreciate the contribution of donors during this extremely difficult time. As Canadian small business owners in the community, we are honored to be part of this cause and hope you will donate.
