A Harvest Party Full of Flavour, Joy, and Community
The cool autumn air of early October, colourful trees, and irresistible smell of freshly made pizza set the scene for a wonderful Harvest Party filled with laughter, music, and community spirit.
Our CHEP community of participants, staff, volunteers, partners, and supporters gathered to celebrate the harvest, enjoy good food, and connect with each other. It was a beautiful reminder of what we can accomplish when we grow, cook, and share together.
Music, Marionettes, and Dancing Feet
The festivities came alive with the lively sounds of Gopher Broke Orchestra and the delightful spectacle of dancing marionettes. Before long, kids and adults alike were tapping their feet, moving to the rhythm, and joining in the fun.
When asked if they had enjoyed themselves, one enthusiastic participant replied, “Absolutely, always do!”
So do we, Mae!
From the Garden to the Table
One of the highlights was, of course, the food! Delicious pizza from The Night Oven filled the air with its mouthwatering aroma, bringing people together to enjoy tasty 'za and good company.
The gathering also celebrated ingredients grown in our garden by our Urban Ag team and cooked up by our Cooking Outreach team, demonstrating how both programs make fresh, flavourful, and nutritious food more accessible.
Food is about more than what we eat. It reflects the care that goes into growing ingredients, the creativity of preparing them, and the joy of sharing a meal with others.
A Dollar, a Big Heart, and the Power of Paying It Forward
Among the day’s memorable moments was a young girl who came with her mom and older brother to make a $1 donation to CHEP.
Though small, her contribution carried a meaningful message about generosity and kindness. Her donation will support CHEP’s Pay-It-Forward program, helping foster a culture of sharing and making good food more accessible.
It was a lovely reminder that everyone, no matter their age or the size of their contribution, can make a difference.
Growing Community, One Harvest at a Time
The Harvest Party was made possible by the participants, partners, supporters, and community members who helped bring the celebration to life. A special thank-you to Federated Co-operatives Limited for funding the Harvest Party, and to everyone who helped make the day so memorable.
At CHEP, we believe everyone deserves access to nutritious, flavourful food and opportunities to learn, share, and thrive.
As autumn settles in, we carry the warmth of this gathering with us. From lively music and dancing marionettes to delicious pizza and a young girl's generous donation, the Harvest Party celebrated the best of community in action.
Here is to more opportunities to grow together, cook together, and share together — because when we celebrate the harvest, we grow so much more than food. We grow community.
