Do you have a garden, planters or hanging baskets at your home in need of some sprucing up?
The city of Coquitlam is asking residents to do just that, but make sure to add a splash of yellow to the mix for a national program that aims to grow the spirit of hope across the country.
Known as "Hope is Growing," the campaign says the goal is to highlight the "strength and resilience" local residents have shown through the course of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Yellow is dubbed as the international colour of hope so the city is looking for garden photos with additions of yellow flowers, fruits, shrubs and/or even vegetables to share virtually in the initiative.
"The campaign is a key feature of this year’s Coquitlam in Bloom program – a roster of community engagement and improvement activities the city plans each year through its participation in the national Communities in Bloom civic pride and beautification program," reads a city release from Thursday (June 24).
The 2021 Coquitlam in Bloom program slate is as follows:
- Promote pollinators
- "Support and learn about the health and diversity of pollinators through activities such as pollinator-friendly flower and seed giveaways, pop-up selfie stations, park signs with fun facts, and a community fence-painting project to beautify local parks."
- Coquitlam Munch
- "Visit Austin Heights to enjoy and take home samples from the edible flower, herb and vegetable planters maintained by area businesses."
- Volunteer
- "Support local not-for-profit organizations that are struggling through the pandemic by volunteering your time and talents. Through its Community Support and Recovery Program, the city has set up a Community Volunteer Support Hub to connect volunteers with groups needing help."
- CoquitlamSPIRIT
- "Check out this free online library of ideas and resources to stay active, healthy and connected.
HOW "HOPE IS GROWING" WORKS
After you add some yellow to your garden, take a photo(s), share it on social media platforms and use the following hashtags:
- #Coquitlam
- #hopesigrowing
Then, residents are asked to register their display on the Hope is Growing campaign website for a chance to win some prizes up for grabs.
The city of Coquitlam may also feature your photo(s) at a later date on its respective pages.
Additionally, the city plans to plant its own Hope Gardens, but is looking for volunteers to help its staff with adding yellow to locations like Town Centre Park, the Inspiration Garden, the Poirier Library and the High Street pop-up park.
Interested residents are encouraged to visit the Park Spark page of the city of Coquitlam's website for more information.
