Pictured from left to right: The Founders of Oliver’s Garden Project, the Allen-Cillis Family- Stacey, Piper, Oliver and Calum; Marsha Devries, Personal Lines Supervisor, Cowan Insurance Group (Hamilton office); Phil Amodeo, Commercial Account Executive, Cowan Insurance Group (Cambridge office)
HAMILTON ONTARIO – On April 8th The Boys and Girls Club, Oliver’s Garden Project and Green Venture will be hosting a breakfast celebrating a new partnership funded by The Cowan Foundation.
The event will launch a pilot that will introduce approximately 100 children from the Boys and Girls Club’s Let’s Get Moving after school programs to having fun while gardening and cooking. Kids will get to explore, cook, and grow in the Parkview Secondary school greenhouse and kitchen once a week during the five week pilot programs.
Oliver’s Garden Project was created by Oliver and his younger sister Piper. While travelling to the grocery store one day Oliver asked his mom why some kids were rummaging through peoples recycling. He then had an idea and with the help of mom Stacey, dad Calum and sister Piper they created "Oliver’s Garden Project". Growing produce in their backyard in Hamilton Ontario, they sold their veggies in front of their house or at local farmers markets where 100% of vegetable sales were directed to local youth charities.
The Cowan Foundation has stepped up to support the after school program through a $20,000 donation that will help to ensure children can learn about the importance of sustainable living and realize a cleaner, healthier community.
“Through the Cowan Foundation, we look to support programs which assist in improving the overall health and wellness of our communities as well as those programs which encourage excellence in children, explained Dave Wilkins, Cowan Foundation representative and Group Manager Employee Benefits Cowan Insurance Group/Wentworth Financial Services . Oliver’s Garden was a perfect example of a project that encompassed these ideals. It is a true pleasure to be able to support Oliver, Piper and their family on this wonderful project.”
"We just want the next generation to be more aware of their offspring and their actions,” explains Stacey Allen-Cillis, Oliver and Piper’s mom. “Growing your own produce and sharing it teaches so much!" She is excited for this program to directly affect so many kids with real, hands-on food and garden experience.
Media are welcome to join us to learn more about Oliver’s Garden Project and our exciting plans to empower even more young people to grow, eat, and share with their community.
Photo opportunities available. Event not open to the public.
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Green Venture is a non-profit, environmental outreach and education organization based in east Hamilton. www.greenventure.ca
Oliver's Garden Project is an initiative working to empower kids to grow, eat, and share with their community. www.oliversgardenproject.com
The Boys and Girls Clubs of Hamilton works to provide a safe, supportive place where children and youth can experience new opportunities, overcome barriers, build positive relationships and develop confidence and skills for life. www.kboysandgirlsclub.com
The Cowan Foundation (www.cowanfoundation.ca) was started in 1995 in honour of Frank Cowan, the founder of Cowan Insurance Group and Frank Cowan Company. The Foundation is sustained by the ongoing success of the Princeton Holdings group of companies including Cowan Insurance Group, Frank Cowan Company, The Guarantee Company of North America and Millennium CreditRisk Management. Together they provide insurance and risk management products and services for individuals, businesses, organizations and public entities as well as assist employers with their group benefits, retirement and health and disability management plans. The goal of The Cowan Foundation is to make a positive difference in the lives of Canadians and the broader well-being of our communities. www.cowanfoundation.ca
For more information, please contact:
Clare Wagner
Program Coordinator
Green Venture
(905) 540-8787 ext 158
Clare.wagner@greenventure.ca
Lynne Short
Director, Communications & Community Relations
Cowan Insurance Group/ Princeton Holdings Limited
(519) 650-6363 ext. 31608
lynne.short@princetonholdings.com