The Salvation Army Ottawa Citadel Vegetable Garden is Ready to Serve the Community this Summer

by Caroline Franks
Categories: Divisional News
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The vegetable garden located behind The Salvation Army Ottawa Citadel is already blooming and soon it will be ready to help feed the local community.

The garden which consists of 12 raised beds, including two which are higher than the others to allow easier access to those who are disabled is always open to anyone in need.

“The food from the garden is used in our food bank but we also want people to know they can come and walk by and help themselves to the food they need,” said Captain Graciela Arkell, Salvation Army Officer at the Ottawa Citadel.

A team of volunteers from the church have planted lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, radishes, yellow and green beans, turnips, and strawberries. There is also a section for herbs including chives, rosemary, thyme, and parsley.

Usually, the garden is also attended to by children from the neighbouring elementary school who would help water and weed the garden. With the pandemic and school closures this was not possible last year or this year.

“We look forward to welcoming back the students to the garden next spring. They were really great and so helpful,” said Captain Graciela.

New this year in the garden are some benches so guests and come and sit with friends or take a rest while visiting.

“The benches will also be helpful for those wanting to use it as a prayer garden on their own or with the new officers arriving this Fall,” said Captain Graciela. “The benches will help in bridging a connection with the community.”

A few picnic tables are also being set up around the edge of the garden for the community to use.

Aside from the garden and food bank, The Salvation Army Ottawa Citadel officers and staff are knocking on doors in local neighbourhoods checking on residents to see if they need any support.

The Salvation Army has purchased a number of Giant Tiger Gift cards to hand out to those in need of some extra support.

“People have been really grateful because it has been a difficult year and a half for many families in our community,” said Captain Graciela. “They have found our outreach very helpful.”

Salvation Army officers, Captains Graciela and Jeff Arkell’s last day at the Ottawa Citadel was June 30 as they will continuing their ministry in Mississauga.  Their replacements, Captains Leonard Heng and Peck Ee Wong, will start September 3.

Over the summer months all programs will continue as usual and will be run by Salvation Army church leaders.

To provide financial support to The Salvation Army, donations can be made online at www.salvationarmy.ca or by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY, where donations can also be directed to a specific program or location.

By: Caroline Franks