On Friday, a sizable crowd gathered at the Jardin Educatif du Pontiac‘s property along Hwy. 148 in Litchfield to mark the organization’s 35th anniversary with a barbeque and variety of family activities.
Martin Riopel, the organization’s director since 2016, said that the non-profit has gone through many transformations over the past three decades and that they typically have a celebration to mark the end of their summer program. He explained that the organization’s primary role is providing services to at-risk youth by having them work in the garden over the course of the summer. They also have a close relationship with local food bank Bouffe Pontiac, providing them with heaps of fresh produce.
New this year, they’ve added a greenhouse to their property with an attached kitchen and vendor area, which he said will allow them to expand their program in the future.
