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Pommunity News
rovidence
C
November 2008 Striving for Sustainability:
2 There are a lot more of
us thinking about farming
& sustainability these
days. We want to know
100% of the farm’s revenue goes
back to the Cowichan Valley
more complete breakdown
what we’re eating, where it is
on our income, to show you
coming from and who is being
where we have our eggs. As
impacted in the process. The
you can see below, we have
financial uncertainty around
tried not to be overly reliant on
the world in the last few
one source of income.
New Board Chair... months has brought these
issues into even sharper
When I look more closely at
focus. This uncertainty
these numbers, I see that 42%
impacts businesses and non-
of this budget comes directly
profit groups alike.
5 At Providence, we have a
unique situation – we strive
from the local economy,
through sales, donations,
rentals and memberships. I
also know that 100% of the
for sustainability in the work
farm’s revenue goes back to
we do on many levels – the
the Cowichan Valley, and that,
fields, the forests, the people
in these interesting times, the
(staff, participants, volunteers,
farm will be counted on by the
members), financially,
community. In other words,
Providence Art Program environmentally. We provide
your support is more important
an essential service for people
than ever.
at the farm, and it is important
and challenging to look at the
Mark Timmermans
whole picture.
7 In an effort to fill out the picture
for you, I’d like to give you a
Executive Director
Community Living Contracts
Vancouver Island Health Authority Contracts
22%
25% Thank you:
Individual Contracts 3%
Annual Giving Campaign Grants & Wage Subsidies 1%
Gaming & Direct Access 7% Thank you to the
Launch...
Victoria Foundation
Donations & Fundraising 19% for granting
Farm Rentals 8% $17,000 to our
Farm Sales 14% Farm programs.
Memberships & User Fees 1%
�
Greetings from the New Board Chair: by: Jamie Lowes
Board Chair
Greetings All, members and three staff, now meets team will focus on improving the
monthly prior to Board meetings to maintenance of the buildings, the
I am very pleased and honored review budget, personnel, programs land and equipment by developing an
to be serving as your Board chair and governance issues. Gradually, adequate infrastructure budget. It is
for the coming year. This year is over this year, we will implement and evident that preserving the health of
particularly notable as it marks the use more “governance” as defined in our land, buildings and equipment is
30th year that Providence Farm has the Bylaws. vital to the spirit of our people and our
functioned as an Association activities.
for providing therapeutic We are absolutely grateful to the multitude of
services for persons living Association members and “friends of the Farm” I am looking forward to my role as
in the Cowichan Valley. The who donate regularly to Providence. chair of your Board and to working
Farm has grown from its with you (staff, Board members,
small, modest beginnings in clients and general membership) to
1979 to a large, complex organization Our annual budget is now well ensure that Providence Farm remains
that employs over thirty staff who over 1.3 million dollars. Although a viable enterprise and is truly a
deliver the varied services provided Providence Farm is well known for its “therapeutic community”.
by each of our unique programs. horticulture programs, we have not
The Farm is a busy and productive yet been able to grow a “money tree”. Cheers, Jamie
place. Throughout the year, I hope to We are dependent upon a multitude
write about all of the many activities of funding sources. The bulk of our
that take place at the Farm. In this funding for programs
issue of our regular newsletter, I will comes from contracts
address three items. with government
agencies. However,
This year, the management staff an organization our
and the Board will need to work size must also seek
together in several areas: one, to out numerous grants
implement the guidelines defined in and donations as well
the Association’s revised Constitution as conduct significant
and Bylaws, which were approved fundraising events in
by the Membership in March, 2008; order to maintain on-
two, to develop a comprehensive, going operations. We
sustainable financial strategy to are absolutely grateful
ensure that we continue to acquire to the multitude of
the funds necessary to operate our Association members
programs; and three, to shift our and “friends of
focus to consolidating our existing the Farm” who
infrastructure, buildings and programs donate regularly to Robert, Kori and Sam in the Farm Kitchen.
rather than starting new capital Providence. But,
projects. it takes comprehensive financial
strategy and a lot of effort to ensure
The purpose of revising our that our organization remains viable.
Constitution and Bylaws was to
ensure that the Association met
By the way, we are also extremely
grateful to all those persons who Welcome Kim Hajdu:
all of the legal requirements of its donate their time and effort helping We’re very pleased to have Kim
“stewardship” of the lands and with all of the activities that take place join us on our Board of Directors.
assets of Providence Farm as well at Providence. We could not be Besides a youthful spirit, Kim brings
as providing a legitimate and sound “therapeutic” without you. a wealth of experience in fundraising,
process for governance. As required Concerning the need, as mentioned event planning and new ideas to
by our Bylaws, a Management above, to shift from starting help the farm. Welcome Kim!
Committee, comprised of three Board new projects to taking care of
what we have, the management
Running Club and Yoga at Providence by: Colleen Davis
Rehab Manager
Through the leadership of Emma care and development and so I am
Rooney, our former HT intern, a excited to begin sharing the practice
running club was developed in with folks at Providence Farm. I am
the spring for some of the young grateful for support from my teacher
men who are part of Greenways. Lilian Bianchi, who taught me to
The group eagerly met each teach yoga.
Wednesday morning, doing drills Our reused yoga mats were
and training to increase their graciously provided by Yoga Outreach
running capacity. Canada, a not-for-profit based in
We were sad to say goodbye Vancouver that pairs qualified yoga
to Emma as she completed instructors and supplies with mental
her 7 month internship with us. health facilities, schools, shelters and
Fortunately Dwight Milford, one correctional facilities. With the arrival
of our enthusiastic and dedicated of the mats and with using donated
volunteers jumped into her Robert and Kyle ties in the place of yoga straps we’ve
leadership role. the kitchen crew in an hour and a half been enabled to get started! I hope
As the fall weather set in and running long session held in the classroom of that in the coming year we can add to
in the rain became less fun, the the McKinnon Building. In this series our supplies and props. Yoga props
running club wrapped up their season we are learning to improve our self such as blocks and bolsters allow
with a 5k at the Cowichan Sportsplex. awareness, relieve stress and tension, for the practice of Restorative Yoga,
I am glad to introduce a Wednesday increase strength and balance, work where the body is supported into
morning yoga class that has taken with our breath and to honour all passive, open and relaxed postures. I
the rainy time slot of the running club. aspects of our selves. look forward to building on what has
Members of the running club are Personally, yoga has become an begun!
participating alongside members of essential daily tool for my own self
Bob James – In Memory: by: Jack Hutton A Special Memory: Christmas, 1980’s:
People had left the farm for the holiday season
On November 5th the Farm lost various stages of construction
and Jack Pearce and I had agreed to check
a long time supporter and friend. and fundraising activities. He
on things during the holidays. It was probably
Bob came forward to help us served on the Providence Board
Boxing Day when we went to check out the main
in 1987 with the development for a number of years and was
building. We heard water running in the back of
of the therapeutic riding always ready to lend a hand if
the old chapel area. Someone had closed the
program, especially in regards there was a job to be done.
door leading to the back room and, thus, cut off
to running the baler at haying the circulation of heat. One of the radiators had
time. We always had some Bob and Jane have two
frozen and cracked. We shut off the main water
pretty antiquated equipment, daughters, Carolyn and Alison.
line and proceeded to try to repair the problem.
but Bob managed to nurse it The Farm is greatly indebted
We disconnected the damaged radiator, went
through many a season. I now to Bob and his family for all
down to the basement and managed to maneuver
understand the term “a haywire the hours and special efforts
a 300 pound radiator up the stairs and into the
outfit.” Over the years, while Bob made to make this a
back of the chapel. Needless to say, we were
Jane managed the development better place. His name shall
just a bit disappointed to find that the threads
and growth of the Therapeutic always be associated with the
didn’t match and it wouldn’t work.. ”Providence”
Riding Program, Bob could development of the Therapeutic
entered into the scene when Bob James, on duty
be counted on to harrow and Riding Program and all of the
for the Regional District Waterworks, came by
maintain the riding rings, and resources required to run that
with his company truck. He had a small valve
repair fences and water lines. special service.
fitting that worked! If you look in the back room
today, the fitting is still there. The radiator that
Bob was also active with us as Thank you Bob. You will be
didn’t work is sitting outside the main office door
a community member in the truly missed.
– still not hooked up!
Gearing Up Again: St. Ann’s Building Report
by: Carmen Timmermans
Project Manager
Autumn has been characterized by quiet, my
time spent with a computer and a pile of grant
applications, a big mug of chai tea and a portable
heater. But don’t be deceived by this seeming
stillness…like a duck paddling through water, things
are happening under the surface, moving the St.
Ann’s Building forward.
We have had some generous cash and in-kind
donations (see sidebar) and continue to pursue
possibilities. Our hope is to be starting later this
month with a finishing crew through a new 20-week
contract we are negotiating with Service Canada. If
things go as planned, the winter should see steady
progress towards completion.
We appreciate all contributions to this colossal
Thinking about completion and communal effort.
objectives, goals and strategy, I
added another thanks of my own A special thank you to:
today as I created the sidebar
thank-you list: that life is not an • The Charros Foundation for donating $5,000 to
individual pursuit in a straight the building – another very kind and practical
line, with success measured by encouragement as we begin the finishing
quantifiable results. Instead, details.
I think is similar to the Autumn
hike I took last week, a group • Discovery College for installing the siding
meander, with children and – what a treat to have you all on site!
friends and a hint of bear in the
air, full of backpacks, backtracks • Moe, John, Gary, Bob, Steve and Peter for
and tangents, tumbles and installing all the lovely wood windows.
special finds and holding hands
while racing to catch-up. • Neil and Joanne from Dan’s Pre-cast for
donating a septic tank and pump tank for the
building – so very generous. The tanks are in
the ground, connected and ready to go.
• The Lohn Foundation for donating an
additional $5,000 to the building, for a total
of $8,500. Your dependable support is much
appreciated.
• All our supporters who have
helped us to reach our current sum
$516,595.
Providence Art Program: by: Michael Cousineau
A new art program was launched
on July 25th, 2008. The new art
Greenways participants started
coming on Thursday afternoons Sat. Dec. 6th
9am - 3pm
Christmas
program provider, who is not new and because of increased numbers
to Providence Farm is me, Michael have expanded their time to include
Cousineau. Some of you will know the morning as well. Again, the art
me by that name, but as a volunteer created by this group never ceases
at the farm, I have been known by to amaze me.
AT PROVID E N C E F A R M
other names. If you need a hint,
check out the Christmas craft fair. One favourite art project is working
Another hint: Gloria, coordinator of with clay. Several items have
Saint Ann’s Garden Club is also my been made and last week I had
partner in life. my first successful firing, meaning
everything turned out perfect. I have
The art program started out as a several more firings to do to catch
six hour venture, two afternoons a up to the work that has been done,
week. It has grown a little since then
and I hope to see more growth in the
which is what everyone has been
waiting for.
Craft Fair
• Farm Made Products
near future. Wednesday afternoon
The art studio is always open on • Community Craft Vendors
has Seques coming over for a little
art therapy, which I am pleased Wednesday and Thursday should • Lunchroom
to say is working out very well. anyone wish to drop by and • Raffle
We have ventured into various art say hello, or want to see what’s
mediums and we have quite a few happening.
budding artists in this group.
Our new Board Chair hard at work
in St. Ann’s Garden.
Santa Photos
• Professional Portraits with Santa
• $6.00 each
• Courtesy Andrew Leong
Fun For Kids
• Children’s Activities
Enjoying the New Art Program: Cara, Bella, and Heather with • Facepainting
Michael Cousineau. • Santa’s Workshop
Two Kinds of Busy: by: Kevin Corbett
Operations Manager
Lost in my anxiety I went from task being and health, it is the second
to task, muttering under my breath form of ‘busy’ that has the potential
about the inconvenience of the to strip from us a sense of being
slightest interruption while trying whole.
to get done all that needs to get
done. The entire day was spent The second ‘busy’ manifests itself
running from here to wherever with in being so preoccupied with
a list of ‘must do’s’ that stretched what I have to do I become self
well beyond the hours left in the absorbed and unable to engage
day. In my rush to get done all that those around me in any meaningful
needed to get done I had little time or life-giving way. Relationships
for pleasantries, not really even can become transactional, based
hearing or waiting for a response to on what others can do for me.
the common exchange of ‘how are While this can be helpful in
you?’ At lunch I ate without tasting addressing the first kind of busy,
my food and heard conversation it leaves us sensing an increasing
around me without listening. uneasiness of being. We can begin
to normalize working and living in
While not all days are this busy, a manner that addresses only the
or my response to them so curt, tangible or measurable aspect of
that evening I was stopped short what we do while ignoring the core
during the farm’s AGM (of which of who we are and coming to know
the set up earlier in the day had others at this level.
been a part of my harried activity).
At the close of the meeting a slide As a community we often speak of
show depicting many of the farm’s the fine balance between ‘people
folk and activity was presented. It and production’. We recognize that,
was the faces of my friends and when the farm as a workplace,
coworkers, with the many stories becomes too focused on what we
behind them that nudged me from have to produce, it can lose its
a place of frustration and anxiety. sense of wellness. As individuals
The images reminded me of a as a part of the farm, (or apart
more meaningful perspective… of from it), the challenge to look to
a different way of seeing. the needs of others and not just to
our own can bring a richness and
One of the most common answers depth that no list of accomplished
we give and receive, when the work can match.
question ‘how is it going?’ begins a
conversation, is ‘busy!’ We speak That evening, the pictures
or receive these words as if such celebrated the people of this
a state of being holds high value community, along with a sense
should be pursued and socially of belonging and support that so
rewarded. I’ve been thinking about many of us enjoy and depend on.
‘being busy’ after having just come They reminded me yet again of
through yet another full summer what we value and brought clarity
and I see in myself two kinds of to what we can cloud when we
‘busy’. choose to focus only on ourselves Wish List:
and our need to accomplish. • Double Hotplate for the Art Program.
• Warm Blankets - for the Wwoofer cabana.
The first kind of busy is that sense Thankfully, I have found this to be
a community that is gracious and • Used Garden Tools: solid shovels, hoes,
that there is just not enough time to
patient in nurturing a better way of wheelbarrows, rakes, etc. We sometimes
do all that needs doing. While this
seeing & being. I hope you have as have big groups come to help us, and we
is a condition that needs to change
well! don’t want to leave anyone without a tool.
if we want to keep a sense of well
Fruits of Their Labour: by: Jacqui Smith
Volunteer Coordinator
The annual Providence Farm prior by Eugene Jobagy and Jacqui, • 60+ volunteers who join us on a
Volunteer Appreciation Tea was a Carmen and Mark of the Providence regular daily basis banking over 8000
feast for the eyes as well as the staff. Gifts were presented and the hrs yearly
stomach. rest of the staff helped with serving • 100 + Special Events volunteers
tea and plating up a to-die-for dessert supporting events like the HOEDOWN
Many hours went into celebrating the of fresh Providence blackberries on and Blues Fest
Fruits of Their Labour beginning with homemade shortbread biscuits with • Numerous social enterprise groups
the collection of over 80 fine tea cups, chantilly cream and a ground cherry who offer their time with projects
from local stores and community floret to top it all off. around the farm
donations, by Zabrina Nelson and • Practicum students from all walks
Linda Klein. Kevin’s crew set up, Providence Farm is blessed with an and careers
Theresa, Devon and the Segues amazing team of volunteers, using • Horticultural Therapy (HT) interns
programme decorated the tables and their wealth of skills, experience,
Tennille provided potted flowers for energy and enthusiasm to grow and And everyone who gives so much of
this formal tea on the lawns of St. enhance a sense of community. their time and effort to – the Renewal
Ann’s Garden under the apple trees of Once again we would like to say of Life.
our beautiful 400-acre property. Thank You to:
The music filled the air as Monte
Nordstrom strummed his guitar
and Marilyn Rummel plucked
the strings of her harp. The 60+
volunteers and guests had a
light snack of delicious savouries
from mushroom palmiers,
and spanakopita to stuffed
cucumbers, prepared the days
by: Anne Brunet
Annual Giving Campaign: Finance Manager
At a time when Providence Farm into what the charity does and where
is about to launch an Annual Giving donated money goes. How much
Campaign, and world financial news actually goes to program spending
is so very grim, it was comforting to is of utmost concern to donors. The
read recently that an IPSOS Reid trust Canadians have in charities,
Poll has found that “trust for charities and the subsequent financial support
remains sky-high in Canada…unlike provided to them, is vital to the
other Canadian institutions such survival of these organizations. All
as government, justice, and news of this holds true at Providence Farm.
media…”. Overall, the article went
on to say, at least 77 percent of Our Giving Campaign goal this year
Canadians say they trust charities, is $40,000. Money raised will go
and charitable leaders are trusted toward sustaining the many programs
almost as much as nurses and at the Farm. Without your help,
doctors. much of the good work that is carried
out here would not happen. When
Public trust remains high because our brochure arrives in the mail
people see the important work that this month, we hope you will once
charities do in their community. Also, again dig deep, and put your trust in
many people volunteer their time as Providence.
well, which gives them further insight
Thank you!
Thanks to: Our Corporate Members
•Victoria Camera Service - donation of a digital camera to St. Ann’s Garden
Club • Aquafun Family Pools & Spas
•Mill Bay Garden Club - cash donation to the Farm • Butler Brothers
•Nonuttin’ Foods Inc. (Duncan) for an in-kind donation of oats for animal • Cowichan Petroleum Supplies
feed • Dobson’s Paint & Glass
•Cowichan Lodge Ladies Auxiliary & Joan Hayden-Luck - donation of • Dr. David L. Wakelin
televisions, DVD players, and an entertainment centre for St. Ann’s Garden • Dr. Faulkner - Silverfern Clinic
Club • G.M. Pace Enterprises Inc.
•Luella Buchanan - donation of a golf cart for transporting seniors in St. • Island Savings Credit Union
Ann’s Garden Club
• Island Tractor & Supply
•Lifetimer Boats Inc. - donation of the new cross on top of Providence House
•J&J Powder Coating – for coating the new cross
• Ken Neale & Associates: RE/MAX of Duncan
•Ye-Old Dogwood - donation of lumber • LaCroix Law Services
•Betty James - donation of lumber • T Bird Services
•Ute Rosengart - donation of craft & flower arranging materials, books, • Twin Fir Tractor
decorations Corporate Membership in VIPCA is $100 a year.
•Donations to the Memorial Rose Garden: Nancy Wigen, Florence Henry, For more information, call Maria at 746-4204.
Yvonne McKenzie, Roland Brown, Delta McDonell, Pamela Clement
•Donations in memory of Gary Gunn Thanks to the Chef’s Harvest Table
•Vounteer hayride drivers Michael Cousineau, Paul Douville, Al Brunet and supporters and chefs Fatima Da Silva and
Dwight Milford. Chris Szilagyi (Bistro 161 in Duncan), Matt
•Michael Command – donation of a truck to the Farm. Horn (The Masthead in Cowichan Bay),
•Adele Meyer – donation of a piano. Brad Boisvert (Amuse Bistro in Shawnigan
•David Adams – tea cups for the volunteer appreciation tea Lake), Gerald Billings (Elford Farms Pastries
•Sandy Austin & Pat Fraser, who organized a large donation of teacups,
in Shawnigan Lake), Rafael Flores (Rock
teapots, cream & sugar bowls, from the congregation of The Anglican Church
of St. John the Baptist in Cobble Hill Salt Restaurant on Salt Spring Island) - over
•Sneakers Computers - for helping out with our computer challenges. $3000 was raised for the Farm.
•Print Craft - for reducing our print costs for the Annual Campaign
•Phils Farm - for contributing to our Apple Juice making process.
2009 Providence Farm
Contact us:
Open Monday - Friday, 9am - 4pm
Wall Calendars Mark Timmermans, Executive Director
marktimm@providence.bc.ca
$15 each Anne Brunet, Finance Manager
anne@providence.bc.ca
Available in the Farm Office
or the Farm Store. Maria Hiles, Office
provfarm@providence.bc.ca
• Full Colour Farm Photos Nancy George, Newsletter
• Gardening Tips nancy@providence.bc.ca
• Inspirational Quotes
• Historical Images Providence Farm
1843 Tzouhalem Road
Help us Celebrate Duncan BC V9L 5L6
‘30 Years of Purpose’ 250-746-4204
1979 - 2009! www.providence.bc.ca
