The Bulkley Valley’s perennial plant sale is returning, with a new organization taking over the reigns.
Previously, the sale was run by the BV Genealogical Society as a fundraiser, but that group has been looking for someone else to take it over.
The last one took place in 2019 and hasn’t run since the pandemic. That one was the 26th year it was held.
Now, the Edge Learning Centre is taking it on.
“We were seeking a community-wide event, and a fundraiser we could reliably execute each year,” said Edge BVCLS president Alethia Perry.
“We have been notified by the Town of Smithers that non-profit societies are no longer exempt from property taxes on town-owned properties (we have been located on the main floor of the Ranger Park building since 2018), and we will now be owing about $12,000 a year starting in 2025. This fundraiser is our main event to attempt to raise those funds so that we can continue our programs in this building.”
The Edge Learning Centre is home to education and youth recreation initiatives that include: heartwood learning community (group-based and teacher-led learning days for home learners from Kindergarten to Grade 9); Climb High outdoor adventure program for teens 14-18; and many other interest-based and short-term classes and cooperatives.
“When we heard the genealogical society was looking for a non-profit to take it over, we purchased their supplies and organizational binders and the “good will” and reputation of the plant sale. Their society members were aging and they felt they could no longer pull off the strenuous aspects of the work (digging, dividing plants etc.) and the number of volunteers required to execute this event,” Perry added.
Edge receives most of its funding through grants and fundraisers.
New this year, there will be education booths; kids activities; food vendors and music.
It will be held at Ranger Park on May 25 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
They are currently seeking perennial plant donations, divided bulbs, thinned herbs, raspberry canes, strawberry runners, and berry bushes. They are also asking for pots or empty yogurt containers; cardboard flats; and business locations to sell raffle tickets.
Perry said the advantage of this type of community exchange, is that the plants are already growing in this zone and are acclimatized to the northern climate. Also, it gives gardeners the opportunity to expand their variety and thin their overgrown or crowded perennials.
“We have the opportunity to serve our community with this beloved tradition, and to raise funds toward our property taxes,” she added.
For more information or ways to donate, contact president.bvcls@gmail.com
READ MORE: Annual perennial plant sale returning May 2024 with new organizers