GREENING up BCCFA for EARTH DAY
Para Space Landscaping was proud to volunteer its time and expertise for PLANET Day of Service this past Sunday, April 22nd, Earth Day.
The British Columbia Centre for Ability’s mission is to provide community based services that enhance the quality of life of children, youth and adults with disabilities and their families in ways that facilitate and build competencies, and foster inclusion in all aspects of life. Para Space’s own Jennifer Portsmouth, Manager of Landscape Maintenance and Personnel Development, is personally connected with the BC Centre for Ability; her son attends its Supported Child Development Program. Jennifer thought the Centre could benefit from more green space, thus the idea was born and plans were made.
The BC Centre for Ability chose three areas for greening – the front entrance, its back patio, and upstairs patio and meeting area. Para Space volunteered the design, managing and building of the project. Specific plants were chosen in the design that meet the Centre’s requirements for non-toxicity and non-fragrance. Sponsors were approached and include Northwest Landscape Supply, Atlas Pots, East Richmond Nurseries, Valleybrook Gardens, The Answer Garden Products and Kato’s Nursery. Wooden benches were donated by someone connected to the BC Centre for Ability.
These new gardens will provide relaxing spaces for individuals and families. There has been increasing research of the healing, social, and therapeutic benefits that plants convey to human life. Simply put, plants make people happy. Maintainance is being provided on a volunteer basis by the Daily Endeavours (DE) program through the BCCFA. The program uses an individualized approach to provide community-based, one-to-one support for persons who have complex health needs and disabilities.
Since 1979 Para Space has been a leader in the Canadian landscape industry. Our active participation in trade associations has helped advance our industry, especially in the areas of employee training and workplace safety. Para Space is the most accredited landscape firm in British Columbia. We are very proud of our staff’s level of education and the knowledge they bring to the job each day.
PLANET is the association of members who create and maintain the QUALITY OF LIFE in communities across North America. With more than 3,600 member companies and affiliates, these firms and their employees represent more than 100,000 green industry professionals. PLANET Day of Service encourages people working in the green industry to give back on Earth Day through volunteer projects.