The Canadian Mental Health Association Grey Bruce Chapter has received major funding for one of its projects.
The chapter has won the Aviva Insurance Company's community resilience award worth $100,000.
The national contest had 59 entries nationwide.
The money will go to support and expand the Grey Bruce Chapter's community garden project known as the food forest. Clients of the chapter are paid employees at the garden.
Chapter Executive Director Claude says the employment is of great value to the clients.
"This is an opportunity for those who would otherwise have difficulty finding employment in the community. They can hone skills and learn how to be good employees and take responsibility for a piece of the garden and we've seen people really blossom," says Anderson.
He thanks people in the community who voted on line for their support.
"It's a big deal indeed and we've had amazing support from our community, from our members, from the media so we're very grateful to them and also to Aviva for really believing in our project," says Anderson.
The new money will allow the CMHA Grey Bruce to improve the community garden by, among other things, putting in a parking lot, a herb drying station and an education space as well as hiring a horticulturist.