Charlottetown, PEI – Jan 2, 2024
The Farm Centre and Institute for Bioregional Studies Ltd.: Beacons of Community Wellness and Resilience
The Farm Centre, in collaboration with the Institute for Bioregional Studies Ltd., reaffirms its steadfast commitment to nurturing community well being and fortitude through groundbreaking initiatives. Central among these endeavors is the esteemed Therapeutic
Horticulture Program, located at the Legacy Garden behind the Farm Centre in Charlottetown, and the ongoing development of Little River Farm in eastern Kings County.
Since its establishment in 2014, the Farm Centre's Legacy Garden has become renowned as one of Canada's largest urban farms. This eight-acre organic sanctuary features over 200 community garden allotments, a thriving orchard, and a goodwill garden. Through collaborative efforts among dedicated staff, volunteers, and program participants, they
annually produce thousands of pounds of fruits and vegetables, generously donated to local charities, effectively combating food insecurity and positively impacting vulnerable communities.
In 2020, the Therapeutic Horticulture Program emerged as an indispensable pillar of support for various sectors within our community, extending aid to esteemed partners such as The Adventure Group, Stars for Life, and Association for Community Living. This innovative program, rooted in nature-based therapies, has effectively bolstered participants' emotional resilience, physical health, social connections, coping mechanisms, and dedication to environmental stewardship, empowering them to embrace a resilient way of life.
Phil Ferraro is the Manager of the Farm Centre and Executive Director of the Institute for Bioregional Studies Ltd. He said that, “As an organization deeply invested in the well-being of Islanders, our aim is to cultivate an environment that fosters healing, instills hope, and emanates compassion.”
In continuation of those collective efforts he Institute is preparing to unveil Little River Farm, in Eastern Kings County, designed as a sanctuary specifically tailored to assist adults and Veterans contending with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). As an organization deeply invested in the well-being of Islanders, Ferraro says the aim is o cultivate an environment that fosters ealing, instills hope, and emanates compassion.
Buoyed by optimism and driven by an unwavering sense of purpose, Ferraro said, “We aspire to expand the horizon of our outreach. Our goal is to provide heightened support to young adults navigating challenges related to autism, mental well-being, addiction recovery, and adults and Veterans grappling with PTSD. Concurrently, we remain dedicated to addressing food insecurity through our socially conscious initiatives.”
At the core of their mission is the firm belief that collaborative endeavors yield transformative change, ensuring that every Islander has access to comprehensive community support. Through this collaborative spirit, the two organizations aim to infuse hope, resilience, and
compassion into the fabric of our community.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Phil Ferraro,
CEO
902-969-3111
ibs_pei@yahoo.com PEI Farm Centre info@peifarmcentre
Phone - 902-892-3419
About The Farm Centre:
The Farm Centre is a pivotal institution dedicated to enhancing community well-being through innovative programs and collaborative initiatives. With a resolute commitment to nature-based therapies, the Centre strives to empower individuals and foster resilient communities.
About Institute for Bioregional Studies Ltd.:
The Institute for Bioregional Studies Ltd. is devoted to promoting sustainable living practices and fostering a deeper understanding of the interconnections between communities and their surrounding environments. Through pioneering research and community engagement, the Institute seeks to cultivate a harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature.
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