›› Kelsey Singbeil & Fernwood NRG’s board of directors
Evening walks through our neighbourhood bring me no small amount of joy these days. The spring flowers, the birds chirping—it almost feels… normal.
But, our neighbourhood and lives aren’t normal these days. We’re all adjusting to a new way of living—new sacrifices, new routines, new joys and hardships.
What’s changed in Fernwood over the last few months?
“I’ve always loved how there’s always people walking and visiting and just being in Fernwood, especially around the square. But that really decreased, especially at the beginning of the physical distancing period. It’s starting to come back again a bit, I think with the nice weather.” – Lisa, board member
COVID-19 has changed our way of life but it’s also highlighted opportunities for us to pull together and become more resilient as neighbours and a community.
We’ve seen neighbours initiating—and the City of Victoria supporting—a free compost and leaf mulch pick-up at William Stevenson Park to encourage more community gardening. Fernwood NRG staff helped facilitate the drop-off and pick-up with a small number of volunteers – and the team is helping to distribute vegetable seedlings grown by the City to local gardeners in early June.
Fernwood Facebook groups are sharing ideas, resources, and offers of help for people to support each other through these trying times. Virtual connections continue to be a great way to keep our social and support networks strong.
Local businesses like the Fernwood Pizza Company, Stage, and Little June have pivoted their operations to promote take out options and services. Gift certificates, online orders, and now some in-person dining and shopping are a great way to support Fernwood businesses!
What do you have a new appreciation for?
Change always brings the opportunity for new ideas and appreciation. While reduced neighbourhood traffic has meant less business to the square and social interactions, it’s also meant quieter streets, more birdsong, and a newfound appreciation for the few social interactions we may have in a day or during the week.
“I love how the field at Vic High has become such a popular outdoor space, breathing life into the neighbourhood on a sunny day. And I love how quiet it is!! So many birds in our urban hood.” – Sarah, board member
“I’ve loved exploring the little nooks and crannies of the neighbourhood that we end up exploring (instead of going for coffee) – like the various sets of stairs around Vic High, which my toddler loves to climb up and down, every little twist and turn of Spring Ridge Commons, and the bike routes connecting Fernwood to the beaches of neighbourhood hoods in Victoria, Saanich, and Oak Bay!” – Eric, board member
How else have you seen the neighbourhood adapt to our ‘new normal’?
“I think the biggest thing is more so a reminder of how our community is able to adapt and respond in such effective & caring ways—from innovating businesses like the Yoga Den going online to Stage becoming a delightful general store, to Fernwood NRG packing more Good Food Boxes than ever for people facing food insecurity during these uncertain times. We’ve continued to feel like a community despite not being able to gather in community places. Taking care of one another, from a distance.” – Sarah, board member
Fernwood NRG is focusing on providing consistent support to our neighbourhood.
We’ve continued to provide childcare for essential service workers since April, and are expanding our services as we can. Our staff have incorporated new screening and cleaning procedures to ensure child and staff safety.
The Good Food Box is currently packing over 500 boxes each week for pick-up in Fernwood, and delivery to community centres in Fairfield, Burnside Gorge, and Oaklands. These boxes are making fresh fruits and veggies more easily available to people close to home.
We’ve unfortunately had to cancel June FernFest this year, but are looking forward to new ways we can connect (and celebrate) our neighbourhood in the coming months.
“Strong communities grow even stronger in challenging times. I know Fernwood will weather this storm together and will recover and thrive in the months to come!” – Michael, board member
Our neighbourhood is strong and ready to support people who may need a helping hand. Please reach out to Fernwood NRG if you need support—we’re all here for each other!
Donate to Fernwood NRG
If you have the means to make a donation to Fernwood NRG, please do.
Our organization has lost key fundraising opportunities like FernFest and Fernwood Bites, but is trying to maintain our existing programs and supports. Your donation will help us continue to provide services and support to our community in 2020 and beyond! Visit this link to donate. Thank you!
