Going Green
Regina, SK – Twice a month, seniors living in close vicinity to The Salvation Army Haven of Hope Community Centre enjoy a delicious noon meal together. On March 18th our “Going Green” celebration of St. Patrick’s Day took place. Many arrived attired in green clothing, beads, hats and neckties. It was a fine Irish celebration with good fun, good food and good friends!
Green was not only the color worn; it was also what was on the menu. Lunch began with a wonderful, tasty salad made entirely of pea, lentil and alfalfa sprouts that were grown at home by guest speaker, Ms. Claire Fortin. After salad, everyone enjoyed a traditional Irish stew. The delicious food, especially the fresh salad, was a great reminder that spring is just around the corner!
After a few Irish songs such as I’m Dreaming of a Four-leaf Clover and Danny Boy, guests were treated to a presentation by the guest speaker. Claire, who lives in the eco-community in Craik, shared her knowledge and passion for healthy eating. During her presentation, she gave tips on how to grow healthy veggies indoors at home. She shared her belief that when we grow healthy foods, we become healthy ourselves, both mentally and physically.
At the conclusion of her presentation, and after another opportunity to taste test healthy foods grown at home, a prize draw for indoor sprout-growing stands took place. Six seniors received hand-crafted stands to take home to grow their own healthy foods. The stands were generously donated by folks from the eco-community in Craik.
At the end of the lunch and fellowship, a gentleman was overheard saying to Claire, “I moved into an apartment this past year. Oh, how I miss gardening. Thank you for coming today!”
As with every seniors’ noon meal enjoyed at Haven of Hope, folks left with smiles on their faces and a happy “See you next time!” on their lips. Thank you, Claire, for bringing some sunshine and giving simple tips for healthier eating.