ASSINIBOIA - The Communities in Bloom organization in Assiniboia has been operating for 16 years. Initiated in 2008, the organization began participating in the provincial and national competitions. It has since blossomed into community enhancement projects that benefit both the residents and those who visit Assiniboia.
Believing in the mandate of ‘Bloom where you are planted’, the dedicated committee works many hours to create a community of happiness and colour.
The committee includes JoAnn Giradin, referred to as the amazing leader. Other active members are Debra Hysuik, Susan Robinson, Donna Hoffos, JoAnn Schuweiler, Debbie Payant, Linda McCrank, Yvonne Bonnett, Cathy Beauregard, Barb Prefontaine, Laurie Connors, Sandy Cristo and Shelley Bissonette.
“Our organization’s vision is to inspire our community to enhance the quality of life and our environment through people and plants in order to create community pride. Our signage reflects this, stating, ‘Growing Great Places Together’, our slogan. It captures the essence of our program,” says CIB volunteer, Linda McCrank.
Sprouting new ideas, the Assiniboia organization says for 2024 they plan to build a gazebo with a wooden base and picnic tables, located on the grassy area between the tennis courts and pool concession. This will provide shade for citizens purchasing food/refreshments from the concession as well as a shaded eating area for attendees of the community’s ‘Better Together’ Tuesday lunches held during July and August at this location.
CIB Assiniboia says they are also supporting the downtown revitalization work by developing the lot south of Shopper’s Drug Mart with seating and plantings.
McCrank adds, “We continue to prepare, plant and maintain Central Park, Centennial Park Sign flowerbed, Kin Hut flowerbed, Asaskan flowerbed and planters, Prince of Wales Centre flowerbed, Southland Centre Flowerbed, Assiniboia Union Hospital Healing Garden, in addition to 100+ planters throughout the town. We also work on the Assiniboia and Region Golf Course flowerbeds and planters, and are involved in Community Garden plots.”
Believing that happiness blooms from within, the group of industrious volunteers say they are appreciative of the support they continue to receive with their fundraisers and programs that help beautify the community. They also believe their efforts encourages citizens to take pride in their own properties, contributing the community wide collaborative efforts to grow great places together.
Assiniboia’s CIB program believes that since their inception they have been able to increase civic pride and community involvement. They love the fact that participation can come from all ages and walks of life in the community. Their initiatives are showcased for residents and visitors alike which in turn, creates positive return values for the community as it becomes more attractive for newcomers or return visitors.
You can follow the organization on their Facebook page where the share projects, contests, fundraisers and thank you’ s to those that help them in their efforts, https://www.facebook.com/Bloomassiniboia?mibextid=kFxxJD
McCrank says anyone wanting to join the organization are welcome and can easily message them through their Facebook page or call at 306-642-8722.
These volunteers keep planting the good vibes, while cultivating joy with their soil mates.
