Gardengate will be celebrating another year of “Growing Food, Growing Futures” during its 18th Annual Summer Salsa Challenge! Participants, volunteers, and staff will be joined by community service providers and Kamloops residents to celebrate another year of hard work and friendship.

Gardengate welcomes everyone to drop-in and sample salsas from 8+ community teams and cast their vote for the People’s Choice and Team Spirit awards. The Chef’s Choice will be awarded by local Salsa experts. There will be plenty more fun to be had including a photo booth, garden tours, live music, food and plenty of opportunities to catch up with old and new friends.

The best part? It’s free to attend and a family-friendly gathering that welcomes everyone! The event is wheelchair accessible and provides ASL interpreters.

Gardengate was formed in 1999 to address two issues: food security and opportunities for persons with mental health issues. It is managed by Open Door Group in co-operation with the Kamloops Food Policy Council. With support from local businesses, volunteers, and Interior Health, the Gardengate site was established in Brocklehurst, and programming began in 2001. Its mission is “growing food and futures through diverse and supportive programs for persons with disabilities while contributing to the health and wellness of our community”. In order to fulfill its mission of contributing to the health of the community, Gardengate donates close to 20,000lbs of organic produce to local charities each year. Today, the 2.8 acre site features rows of organic produce, a greenhouse, orchard, classroom, kitchen and cold storage. Each morning, Gardengate teams with activity as participants living with mental health issues work alongside staff and community volunteers to tend to the garden’s needs. Through these activities participants gain confidence and build their vocational skills. In 2008, the Accessible Garden was opened, providing opportunities for persons with mobility issues to plant and tend to their own gardens on site. Cooking and horticulture workshops, field trips, organic farming practices and produce and plant sales are just a few components to Gardengate's unique program.