Features

 

Greetings in this new year and new season of opportunities and challenges. As One Straw begins its twenty-fourth year promoting a thriving, connected, and sovereign food system for our region, we are excited about what lies ahead. Your newly elected Board has been working hard to solidify ourselves through recent transitions, implementing our new constitution and bylaws, and most importantly, putting “hands and feet” on our mandate.

 

First up, we are pleased to again host the hugely popular annual Seedy Saturday, our community’s springtime planting kickoff event. Please join us on March 9th at the Roberts Creek Hall to connect with other food and garden enthusiasts, enjoy activities (kid-positive!), find the very best seeds and seedlings, and a rich variety of food and crafted products from our local producers. If you are interested, you can also volunteer to help make the event a better success. Send an email to our wonderful new Events Coordinator Nicole McKay at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. You can also find the most up to date information on the event here : http://www.onestraw.ca/event/seedysaturday/.

 

Grant and Aid :

Recently we applied for provincial funding to help us employ a full-time Programs Coordinator (beginning May 1 and through the summer) to oversee several programs, including the Ocean Vegetables Community Garden, creating an updated Local Green Banner Directory, and assisting with educational programs and summer events now in the works. We will keep you posted on the outcome of that application, and inform you of application openings for this career-growing opportunity. 

 

We are also now preparing for the departure of our Executive Director, Kym Chi, who has decided to take a new career path beginning March 31st.  The Board will take the opportunity of this change to again assess our staffing needs, funding and goals. We invite your input and participation in the process. We have benefited immensely from Kym’s many talents and dedication which reach far beyond the position’s compensation. We thank Kym, and wish her every success.

 

Kym adds this personal note: “It is with a heavy heart that I will be leaving my role soon as Executive Director. I have a strong belief in One Straw and think the organization makes a big difference on the Sunshine Coast. However, it is time for me to accept a new opportunity in the community, doing care work with a great individual that I could not refuse.  As I move forward, my heart stays with the Society with every hope to see it succeed and grow in its mission to create a resilient, sustainable and thriving local food system. Thank you everyone!” 

 

Get Involved! :

If you are new to One Straw or want to learn more about us, our website provides lots of great info http://www.onestraw.ca/.  If you are not already a member, join us!  You can find more information here :  Finally, feel free to reach out to any Board member with your ideas, questions, and community dreams at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

 

Together, let’s make 2019 a banner year for locally produced food, and for the health and well-being of our spectacular and unique community.

 

Sincerely, 

The One Straw Society Board of Directors 

 

Michelle Butti               Lawrence Cryer

Casandra Fletcher      Gregory Gebka

Paul Myers                  David Steele