Carleton Memorial United Church’s community garden initiative is a “growing” project that has provided fresh produce to the local community while also promoting sustainability and community engagement.

In 2021, the initiative began with the construction of eight garden beds, which were made possible by funding from the Eastern Ontario Outaouais Regional Council of the United Church of Canada. Six of the beds were designated to provide produce for the Debra Dynes Family House, which is a non-profit organization that provides support and resources to low-income families in the area. One bed was set aside to provide fresh produce for Carleton Memorial Day Care, and another bed was dedicated to native pollinator plants.

In 2022, the initiative expanded with the involvement of the Debra Dynes Family House. One family cultivated half a bed, and in 2023 the initiative hopes to have five families cultivate five full beds, growing vegetables and herbs of their choosing. This expansion not only provides more fresh produce to the community, but it also allows for greater community involvement and engagement.

The initiative is an excellent example of how community organizations can work together to promote sustainability and support the local community. By providing fresh, locally grown produce to those in need, the Carleton Memorial United Church’s community garden initiative is making a positive impact on the lives of individuals and families in the area.

Carleton Memorial United Church has a long-standing history of supporting refugees and advocating for their rights. Over the years, the church has made significant contributions to refugee sponsorship and resettlement programs, making a positive impact on the lives of many individuals and families fleeing persecution and conflict.

One of Carleton Memorial United Church’s most notable contributions to refugee sponsorship is through its participation in the Sponsorship Agreement Holder (SAH) program under the umbrella of the United Church of Canada. This program allows organizations to sponsor refugees directly, providing them with financial, emotional, and social support as they adjust to life in Canada. Carleton Memorial United Church has been a part of this program since the early 1990s and has sponsored numerous refugees from countries such as Syria, Somalia, and Afghanistan.

The church’s sponsorship efforts have been instrumental in providing refugees with access to basic necessities such as housing, food, and clothing. They have also helped refugees navigate the complex Canadian immigration system, providing legal assistance, language training, and job placement services. Moreover, the church has provided a welcoming community for refugees, connecting them with other members of the church and local community, and helping them integrate into Canadian society.

In addition to direct sponsorship, Carleton Memorial United Church has also been a vocal advocate for refugee rights. The church has participated in events to raise awareness of refugee issues and promote social justice. They have also worked with other organizations to lobby the Canadian government to improve refugee policies and increase the number of refugees admitted to Canada.

Churches play a vital role in environmental conservation by promoting stewardship of God’s creation, inspiring their congregations to practice sustainable living, and advocating for responsible care of the environment. We have recently taken on two initiatives focused on respecting our environment.

1. Preserving Nesbitt Creek

Carleton Memorial United Church, in collaboration with Greening Sacred Spaces, Watersheds Canada, and the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority has committed to the restoration of Nesbitt Creek. With a threefold mission encompassing invasive species eradication, garbage cleanup, and native pollinator planting, our ongoing project strives to revitalize the creek’s ecosystem and promote environmental sustainability. Read more about this initiative here.

2. Energy Benchmarking

The Energy Benchmarking Program (EBP) is a program that helps faith communities to take practical and cost-effective climate action by raising awareness and understanding their buildings’ energy use and emissions. Carleton Memorial United Church worked with the Energy Benchmarking initiative offered by Greening Sacred Spaces Ottawa, and has been moving towards becoming more energy efficient. Read about the progress we’ve been making in the 2019-2022 case study report, available here.