A Public Presentation and Social is planned at Cafe Allium and everyone is invited to come and learn about and help celebrate Groundswell’s many applied projects and ground-breaking achievements in community sustainability and resilience.

Former Executive Director, Bill Swan will give an evocative evening presentation. Bill stepped out of his executive director role this spring to focus his time on other projects he has underway both here in BC and further afield.

It has been a seventeen year affiliation for Bill that has evolved from the Columbia Valley Botanical Gardens to Groundswell and it’s activities as an award-winning inspiration and agent of change focused on community development across economic, environmental and social fields.

“Bill has led us through some fantastic and impactful projects in many significant areas and on behalf of the Groundswell Board, we would like to sincerely thank him for his dedication, optimism and passion in the delivery of his work,” says Dale Wilker, Board Chair.

Bill was Project Lead throughout the many stages of developing the Community Greenhouse  – from feasibility, design, construction and eventual multi-year pilot of programs and activities.

“The Community Greenhouse was a large project of which I am, of course, very proud. But it was a massive team effort with former executive director David Zehnder, Joanne Bragg, Alison Bell and Dale Wilker also on the project development team – we had a lot of fun, overcame many challenges, enjoyed successes and our energy and passion for the project was immense,” he said.

Bill also noted the people and the purpose of Groundswell as an organization “the many great people who have led and contributed with their astounding range of talents. Alison Candy as education coordinator and my children who spent hundreds of hours there are foremost in my mind and I think also of all the past Board Members, project leaders, seasonal staff and summer interns – it is their contributions that have grown Groundswell as an organization and place that ultimately builds hope and develops applied skills people can make positive contributions with in the world.”

“It is the response of the community I‘d personally like to acknowledge and thank again though”, Swan reflected – “from the volunteers, businesses and diversity of funders that contributed so much time and resources to the Groundswell Campus, the organization and its programs, it really is incredible. Your involvement has directly contributed to the many thousands of visitors and inquiries that have come from all around the world”

The process is ongoing too! This fall Groundswell will reflect on its mission and future goals and we’ll ask community members, stakeholders and supporters for their input. Bill will assist in this transition as others take the reins so stay tuned for the announcement of opportunities to contribute.

Please join us for a most interesting and inspiring evening as we take a look at the past and toward the future.

Note: There will be light refreshments before and after the presentation, and free coffee and tea available throughout the evening. The bar at Pynelogs will be open for people to purchase drinks. It is recommended that you eat before coming.

(Information for this Public Presentation and Social event post contributed by Groundswell Network Society)

Registration:

Contact Katrina Kellner

250-409-4195

http://groundswellnetwork.ca

Email: info@groundswellnetwork.ca