GARDENING Ballina GIY group harvest an award

Ballina GIY group harvest an award


You reap what you sow, and for one hardworking Ballina gardening group, sowing and hoeing not only bore fruit and veg, but also community spirit and national recognition. GIY (Grow it Yourself) Ballina was awarded the title of Group of the Year in Connacht at this year’s national GIY Gathering, which recognised the efforts of GIYers for their outreach work in local communities.
The judges were impressed with the group’s work in the local community and their commitment to introducing local people to the joy of home-grown food. GIY Ballina organised a ‘meitheal’ with other local community organisations to set up a community garden in the Parkside Area of Ballina. 
GIY Ballina was also involved in a Community Garden project at Enniscoe, and acted as mentors to Karen Garden, a community garden for the Karen (Burmese) community living in the area. They are also in discussion with a local farmers’ market to sell members’ produce as a fundraising initiative for the group.
GIY is a registered charity that aims to make home-grown food the norm by inspiring people to grow their own food and giving them the skills they need to grow successfully. For more information, visit www.giyireland.com.