Nourish
Cowichan is brilliant local food programme which will let every child in the Valley
have a healthier life …
… this has
been started by the chef, Fatima, from Vinoteca (see my previous post) who had
been alerted that the children in the area were falling asleep, becoming ill
and generally not able to cope – these were the kids who were nutritiously
deprived.
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| There are five other programs or programmes! |
Fatima leases
the kitchens and runs a restaurant at the Zanatta vineyard … and realised she
could help …
... so with other volunteers – in a tiny kitchen – they have been
making up rolls with various fillings, offering muffins and fresh fruit in a
pilot breakfast programme.
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| Nourish Cowichan logo |
Within six
months they were provisioning three other schools, and now they supply 13
locations: 3 daycare, 1 maternity centre and 9 schools …
 |
| Fatima on her phone in the tiny kitchen |
Fundraising
started and now they have an 1,800 sq ft facility being finished as we speak …
which should be up and running by Christmas … the aim is to provide 500 meals
as soon as possible …
Fatima said
it will be bliss to be able to have the space to work in – rather than the
cramped kitchen they presently operate from …
 |
| The start of breakfast rolls - variety for the different needs |
… mind you
her food is fantastic … but I can quite see getting 500 meals out (with
variety) from their present location is difficult.
Talk about
ambition … Nourish Cowichan is in negotiations with various appropriate
authorities – schools, health units and social services – while working
independently under its own auspices as a British Columbian Society – a charity
status.
There are
six initiative programmes: Breakfast;
Weekend take home snacks; Give Back Art – encouraging the children to do
something for others; Nutrition Education; Universal Inclusion; Food Save
Programme …
See more attheir site … I am so pleased I was able to spend a very short time with Fatima –
she was getting some breakfast meals ready to be sent out …
 |
| There are art works available at the vineyard |
... and also fending
off queries re the huge fundraising event she’s just put on – for the new
facility: it was a huge success, I understand – though was unable to go.
It’s an
amazing project for the Cowichan Valley – there’s a lot of deprivation here –
yet there’s an awful lot of generosity …
We Are The
World – In Darkness Be Light
Thank you
for reading … please visit other entries … and now it is getting towards Christmas - give generously to all food programmes ...
Could you please note I will be away from a computer - so will get to answer when I can ... see my next post ... early December
Hilary
Melton-Butcher
Positive
Letters Inspirational Stories
24 comments:
What a great story. It's amazing how many people go hungry. Cool that you got a chance to meet her.
Deprivation but generosity seems a common human theme. When I took part in fundraising activities for charity years ago, the most generous people were always those who were themselves living paycheck to paycheck. The meanest people also were invariably the most well-heeled.
Hari Om
A wonderful outreach. So many communities everywhere have this need and there are amazing people willing to fulfil it. YAM xx
What a great project.
It's obvious that if kids don't eat reasonably well it will cause them problems throughout their lives, but I'd only thought of that in terms of health, not that it could stop them making the best of education opportunities too. That shows how poverty and hunger can become an unending cycle that's no fault of the sufferers.
A fabulous project and I am sure the kids, as well as the parents, appreciate what is being done. Hope this finds you well. Have a good weekend Diane
marvelous program and helps the future - kids don't need to be hungry while they are learning. Actually true of everyone. There's no excuse for hungry in nations with so much plenty.
Good post and sounds like a wonderful woman and place.
I especially like one of your sentences near the end about there being deprivation, but there is also generosity. That's the kind of world I want to live in... where generous people like Fatima see a need and fill it. It's wonderful that you got to spend some time with her.
Have a wonderful weekend!
I am constantly amazed by the givingness of people. And their energy. Very impressive!
What a wonderful program. Giving kids access to healthy meals is so important. Kindness spreads. :)
~Jess
What a fabulous initiative. There are some bright, generous, people out there. Nice one, Hilary!
What a great cause! We have some programs like that right here in our own city too.
Hi everyone- l'll reply properly soon ... Thanks for your visit and appreciative comments on Fatima's marvellous project ...cheers for now - Hilary
That really is a wonderful project. It's always nice to read about people doing good in the world.
Enjoy the weekend,
Andrea
Wonderful to hear about the beautiful people in the world who are helping the children in need. This project is amazing. Thanks for sharing.
https://gail-baugniet.blogspot.com/
A tiny kitchen squishes the cook's inventiveness and reduces the number of assistants and students. I am so glad they now have the space to flourish in.
A beautiful share Hilary. It always warms my heart to know the children are being cared for. <3
What a wonderful way to give!
An inspiring project.
Hi, Hilary - I am so glad to read more about Fatima here. What an amazing woman. Thank you for introducing her to us! She is such a blessing to this area.
Bravo for Fatima. Someone should submit her name for The Order of Canada!
Incredible people doing incredible things, keeping humanity going one good deed, one act of kindness at a time. Thank you, Fatima. And thank you, Hilary, for sharing this good story with us and for participating in #WATWB.
Thank heavens for people like Fatima and all those who reach out to those in need. Thank you Hilary for sharing this story ...
Thank you everyone for your comments - once I'm up and running again I'll reply properly - cheers Hilary
Hi everyone ...I'm in the library ... so will get back to commenting when I can get into Eastbourne...but so appreciate seeing you all here ...and thanks for your well wishes - cheers Hilary
Just to confirm ... yes, Fatima is one amazing lady - with a huge heart ... and just wonderful ... one of those superb calm ladies... who exudes care and thoughtfulness ... and time for one and all. Cheers Hilary
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