Creekside volunteers help tenants’ gardens look their best
A team of volunteers from Creekside Church spent part of their Saturday helping Sprucelawn Apartments for Seniors look its best.
On May 30, ten volunteers took part in The Big Serve, Creekside’s annual week-long community outreach event. The group was led by retired horticulturalist Bert Klein-Horsman.
A tradition of service
The Big Serve began in 2019 as a way for Creekside Church members to serve their neighbours in Jesus’ name through practical projects across Waterloo Region. The vision was to create opportunities for people to work together with local organizations, both faith-based and secular, to strengthen communities and show care through action.
This year, organizers hope to see 700 volunteers participate in projects throughout the region. The event encourages people to serve as a team, build connections in their communities, learn through service, and extend generosity to others.
Digging in to support seniors
The relationship between Creekside and Sprucelawn began when a tenant who attended the church asked for gardening support for her neighbours in the building. This is the third year that Sprucelawn has benefited from the work of The Big Serve’s volunteers.
The annual gardening project helps keep tenant areas welcoming and attractive for the seniors who call the building home. The volunteers weed, mulch and edge flower beds and some backyard areas. They also provide flowers for tenants with patio gardens to plant and enjoy.
Creekside’s generosity extends beyond volunteer labour. This year, the church also provided a financial gift to Sprucelawn’s tenant-led social committee, helping residents purchase a cordless, lightweight leaf blower, which helps keep patios and outdoor spaces clean and tidy.
Thank you, Creeksiders!
The Big Serve reflects the power of people coming together to make a difference in their community. Through partnerships like this one, Sprucelawn continues to be more than an apartment building. It’s a community where acts of kindness help create a welcoming place for everyone.
Beyond Housing extends its thanks to Creekside Church and all of The Big Serve volunteers for their continued support of Sprucelawn and our tenants.
