Lynn Prindle marks the arrival of spring by ushering in the return of what she calls a community favourite – the Kiwanis Club of Golden Ears’ annual plant sale.
For her, the launch of the service club’s largest fundraiser of the year is an exciting time.
“We’ve sourced high-quality, locally grown plants that our supporters can count on,” said Prindle, the Kiwanis plant sale coordinator.
She noted that online ordering begins this week, and the sale features a selection of hanging baskets, standing planters, fuchsia baskets, and — new this year — vibrant begonias.
“Each item is priced between $30 and $35, making this the best deal in town,” Prindle said.
Online orders can be placed starting April 1 at kiwanisgoldenears.ca/plant-sales, where customers will also find details on pick-up times and locations.
As well, in-person shopping is available on Friday and Saturday, May 8 and 9. The Friday sale takes place in the Ridge Meadows Hospital parking lot from 6:30 a.m to 1 p.m. (or until sold out), and then on Saturday it shifts to the Hospice thrift store parking lot, running from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. (or again, until they’re sold out).
“Perfect timing for Mother’s Day,” said Prindle.
All proceeds from the plant sale directly support local initiatives.
Through its fundraising, the Kiwanis Club of Golden Ears supports many community projects, education expenses, extracurricular activities, and even individual hardship cases, helping local residents cover unexpected medical bills and equipment needs, said club co-president Tara Malanik.
In the past fiscal year alone, the Kiwanis Club of Golden Ears has contributed more than $60,000 back into the community, including:
• $1,000 each to the Pitt Meadows Secondary and Thomas Haney Secondary robotics clubs
• $2,000 to Country Fest’s annual agricultural fair
• $2,000 to Ridge Meadows Hospice Society
• $2,500 to Christmas Haven
• $3,000 to the PLEA Putting on the Glitz graduation event
• $3,000 each to Camp Whonnock and the Garibaldi Secondary cheer team
“Service clubs are one of the only places residents can turn to for this kind of grassroots emergency support,” said Malanik, emphasizing that community participation is critical.
“We need the organizations and families who have benefited from Kiwanis support to come out for us in a big way, help spread the word about our plant sale, shop with us, and bring a friend.”
Local residents can also get involved by volunteering with the plant sale and other Kiwanis initiatives throughout the year, encouraged club co-president Heather Treleaven.
“There are currently no membership fees and no minimum time commitments. Community members can become a Friend of Kiwanis and simply sign up to lend an hour or two when they can,” she added.
For more information about the plant sale, or how to become a Kiwanis Club member, people can email: kiwanisofgoldenears@gmail.com or visit: kiwanisgoldenears.ca.