The Garden of Eden in Pansy is inviting people of all ages to take part in a veggie planting bee on Saturday, May 31, as volunteers prepare to sow seeds for a good cause.
The large garden grows vegetables to support local food banks, soup kitchens, and community resource centres throughout southeastern Manitoba — including Steinbach Community Outreach and the South East Helping Hands food bank. The initiative is part of a broader effort by Friends of Ukraine Canada to fight hunger and provide fresh produce to those in need.
Mel Kachur, a regular at A&W in Steinbach and founder of the garden project, shared details during a visit Friday morning with Carly Koop on the Country 107 Morning Show served up by A&W Steinbach.
A planting bee for a good cause
“Today is a Feel Good Friday, but tomorrow’s going to be a Feel Good Saturday,” Kachur said. “We’re having a veggie planting bee. You’ve heard of a perogy bee and a quilting bee — this is a planting bee.”
Kachur said they’ll be planting corn and potatoes on the five-acre property just outside the community of Pansy. The garden is stocked with all the tools and seeds volunteers need, and everyone is welcome to attend — including youth groups, church members and families.
“It’s important for kids to see where their food comes from,” Kachur said.
Food and fellowship on site
Volunteers will be treated to a free lunch at noon and supper in the evening, with the supper meal served in honour of Kachur’s wife Helen, who passed away earlier this year.
Kachur expressed gratitude for the community’s recent support during a fundraising bake sale, and he says donations are always welcome to help support the garden’s mission.
“We thank you very much, very sincerely,” he said. “Please come, and bring your wallet too — we accept donations to help us fight hunger.”
The planting bee begins Saturday morning at the Garden of Eden in Pansy. The Kachur farm is next to the Pansy Hall, 6 miles south along Pansy Road off of Hwy 205, east of Sarto. For those interested in helping out, tools and materials are provided. For more information on volunteering, email melvinkachur9397@gmail.com.
-With files from Carly Koop and Adi Loewen.