Spring brought more than just warmer weather to GEF – it brought colour, connection, and the return of Planting Days! From May 14 to June 6, our third annual Planting Days campaign bloomed across communities, with residents and tenants coming together with over 150 corporate partners and volunteers to bring fresh life to the outdoor spaces our seniors call home.
Our residents and tenants joined in however they could, some pulling on gloves to help, and others cheering everyone on from the benches. For those with limited mobility, just being outside and chatting with the volunteers brought joy and laughter.
Community Partners Make It Happen
This year we welcomed 21 corporate partners, who brought teams ranging from one person to groups of 11. Many gave their time to more than one site, and they all brought their energy and enthusiasm, rain or shine. Together, they helped plant, dig, weed, and transform garden beds across 25 GEF communities.
A sincere thank you to TELSCO Security Systems, Ford Credit, Telus, Old Navy, Centennial Food Solutions, Source Office Furniture, PCL Construction, Royal Caretaking Supplies, Simmons Canada, ServiceMaster Restore of Edmonton, SYSCO Canada, Ecopest, AMRE Supply, Boilermaker’s Lodge 146, Telecon, Park Landscaping, Bell Mobility, and RBC! Your kindness, teamwork, and community spirit were felt and appreciated.
Some of our partners lent their support to the campaign in other impactful ways.
- Supreme Landscaping donated topsoil to refresh the raised planter boxes at Trinity Hall.
- Budget Printing provided signage to help us recognize and thank all the amazing volunteers at each site.
Everyone’s contributions helped to support our goal of creating spaces that are not only beautiful, but welcoming and accessible for residents and tenants.
An On-Air Shout Out
We were also delighted to welcome CTV Edmonton meteorologist, Josh Classen to Westlawn Court. Josh got his green thumbs dirty, planting alongside volunteers and tenants and kindly gave GEF a shout out during the evening weather report. His visit brought extra excitement to the day.
Cultivating Connections
Planting Days are about more than just flowers and gardens, they are about cultivating connections between volunteers, residents and tenants as well as neighbours and friends. After each planting event, teams and seniors shared lunch together, swapping stories, smiles, and a sense of pride in a job well done.
Help Keep the Gardens Growing
Planting Days continue! We need volunteers to help maintain, water, and care for the gardens throughout the summer. Whether you’re an individual, a team, or someone who just loves to spend time outdoors, we’d love to have you join us. If you were unable to take part in Planting Days, you can still make a meaningful impact! A donation to our Quality of Life Fund helps keep our communities vibrant and in bloom.
Community volunteers at McQueen Place Lodge.
🌻 Click here to VOLUNTEER with us!
💚 Click here to DONATE to our Quality of Life Fund!
Together, we’ve planted more than flowers! We’ve planted happy memories, friendship, community, and care across our GEF communities. Thank you to everyone who helped make it possible!
🎥 Click here to watch heartwarming highlights from the events!
I look forward each year to planting day. And this year I have to say was the best! Lots of wonderful volunteers and lots of beautiful plants. Thank you GEF!
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Wonderful story, inspiring on all levels - congratulations and thank you 😊
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