Garden of Hope Brings Fresh Produce and Opportunities for Connection

An underused space beside The Salvation Army’s Community Church in Charlottetown, P.E.I., has been transformed to provide fresh produce and bring people together.

The Garden of Hope was established in 2025. It features raised beds for growing vegetables, along with climbing plants and flowers. Scott MacIsaac, chaplain at The Salvation Army in Charlottetown, came up with the idea to make better use of the building’s outdoor grounds.

“It opens the door for us to ask people: How can we be of service?”

“We had a beautiful lawn beside us here at The Salvation Army, but it was empty,” Scott says. “I figured, why not plant a garden?”

This project engages clients, staff and volunteers, who help maintain the space. Its harvest is also making a difference in people’s lives.

The produce is distributed among those accessing Salvation Army services and is sometimes used in other initiatives.

Most recently, Charlottetown’s Community Church hosted a sit-down Thanksgiving meal for local residents, using vegetables grown in the garden.

Scott, who has more than 20 years of experience in chaplaincy, believes the project is a good way to reach those who may not be familiar with the Army’s work.

“It opens the door for us to ask people: How can we be of service?” Scott says.

He adds that the goal is to bring everyone together, regardless of background or religious beliefs.

“If being part of the garden meant attending church every Sunday, it never would have been built.”

During this first growing season, Scott has seen an encouraging response, with no vandalism or theft of plants.

“I see it as the community coming together.”

He sees this as a clear sign that neighbours value the space.

“I see it as the community coming together,” he says. “Those who have been exposed to the garden have respected it.”

Following a successful launch, the plan for next year is to expand by adding a couple of raised beds and installing seating nearby where visitors can relax and enjoy the flowers.

The Salvation Army is also working toward finding corporate partners who could help supply plants and other gardening resources.

Scott hopes the initiative will mark the beginning of further opportunities for service, collaboration and community involvement.

By Juan Romero