WHO WE ARE
We are community members who are proud to call Mission our home. What began as a small neighbourhood movement has grown into a welcoming network of people from across Mission and Hatzic who come together to support one another and build something meaningful.
Our volunteer community flows naturally. People share their time, skills and knowledge in ways that feel right to them, whether that means helping in the garden, assisting at events or simply showing up when support is needed. This spirit of generosity and connection continues to shape who we are and the work we do.
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
President: Pascale Sara F.
Vice President: Jessica L.
Treasurer: Sara L.
Secretary: Michelle M.
Communication Liaison: Sally C.
Indigenous Liaison: Sara L.
Community Liaison: Shelley S.
GARDEN OPERATIONS TEAM
The Dunsmuir Urban Collective Garden is supported by a dedicated team of volunteers who guide planning, education and hands on work throughout the season.
Garden Operations Coordinator: Michelle M.
Oversees technical and seasonal planning for the garden including crop sequencing, bed preparation, task organization and day to day operational guidance.
Coordinator, Food Sustainability and Indigenous Learning: Sara L.
Provides leadership in food sustainability, Indigenous knowledge, plant teachings and food use education. Oversees the Indigenous learning garden area and contributes expertise in harvesting practices and culturally rooted approaches to gardening.
Coordinator, Administration, Education and Planning: Pascale-Sara F.
Responsible for administration, grants and reporting, scheduling, educational materials, partnership development, event planning and overall organizational support.
Garden Engagement and Creative Support: Gina L.
Participates in hands on gardening activities and contributes knowledge in composting and garden care. Serves as the gardens informal musician in residence, bringing creativity and community spirit to events and gatherings.
Advisory and Site Support: Tony S.
A foundational contributor whose early vision helped shape the garden. Offers practical guidance, infrastructure assistance and ongoing site support throughout the season.
MEMBERS AT LARGE
Anne F., Karen D., Shendra B., Tammy G., Mike M., Megan S., Walter M., Tony S., Karen M., Melanie K.
CONSTITUTION AND PARTICIPATION OVERVIEW
The DNA operates under a nonprofit society constitution with clearly defined participation zones and membership categories.
Dunsmuir Neighbourhood Zone
Zone boundaries:
• Eleventh Avenue to Seventh Avenue
• Horne Street to Stave Lake Street
Residents in this zone may:
• Become members of the Dunsmuir Neighbourhood Association
• Participate fully in the DUC Garden
• Vote at general meetings and AGMs (1 vote per household)
• Hold executive or committee roles
Participation Neighbourhood Zone
Extended zone boundaries:
• Thirteenth Avenue to Eleventh Avenue between Horne Street and Dunsmuir Street
• Seventh Avenue down to Lougheed hwy between Dunsmuir Street and Stave Lake Street
Residents in this zone may become voting DNA members if they:
• Send a short email or letter of interest
• Participate in at least four activities, meetings or volunteer opportunities per year
Outside the Zones (Fraser Valley)
Residents outside these boundaries may become voting members of the DUC Garden if they:
• Send a short email or letter of interest
• Participate in at least four activities, meetings or volunteer opportunities per year
• Vote on garden matters only (They cannot vote at DNA general meetings or hold executive roles)
• Everyone is welcome at the garden regardless if they have a member status or not.
• Volunteers can join activities, attend events and community projects
HEART OF THE COMMUNITY AWARD
2025 – Sara L.
Sara brought extraordinary dedication, warmth and energy to the DUC Garden this year. Working consistently, often alongside her children, she supported bed preparation, planting, maintenance and seasonal care. She also shared food knowledge, Indigenous learning and practical skills that enriched the whole community. Her generosity, commitment to the land and supportive spirit helped shape this foundational year of the garden.
2024 – Anne F. and Karen D.
Recognized for their steady commitment to delivering flyers to more than 300 homes before every event and for volunteering at each gathering with reliability and care. They consistently brought chairs, tables, tents and snacks, and their kindness, readiness to help and community-minded spirit have made them indispensable neighbours who uplift everyone around them.
2023 – Megan S.
Honoured for stepping forward with enthusiasm, creativity and leadership to organize a successful paint night fundraiser. Megans initiative helped strengthen our community connections and brought people together in a warm, welcoming and engaging way.
2022 – Sally C. and Jessica L.
Sally C.
Acknowledged for her dedication as Communications Liaison, her strong networking skills and her constant availability to support neighbours. Sally’s reliability, warmth and persistence helped strengthen community engagement during a formative year.
Jessica L.
Recognized for managing grants, championing the City’s block party toolkit, and conducting in depth research that helped guide the Association’s understanding of ecological, municipal and provincial matters. Jessica’s initiative, detail-oriented work and problem-solving made a lasting impact during a foundational period of growth.
SPECIAL ACKNOWLEDGMENT
Mrs. Sally Clifford
Communication Liaison, Dunsmuir Neighbourhood Association
Sally played an important role in the early development of the Dunsmuir Urban Collective Garden. As the communication liaison for the Dunsmuir Neighbourhood Association, she handled outreach and correspondence with organizations, donors, and community partners.
Her British flair, humour, and steady presence supported the garden as she sourced the materials needed to build it, including compost, soil, wood, and tools. Known for her delicious scones and her signature habit of popping by or calling directly rather than relying on emails, Sally brought a personal touch to every interaction and helped people feel genuinely connected to the project.
Although she is no longer involved in day-to-day programming, her contribution in getting the project started deserves recognition. Sally generously offered her time, energy, and many talents during her retirement, taking on responsibilities that resembled a full-time role.
We extend thanks to Sally for her thoughtful communication and the part she played in bringing the garden to life. Her work is sincerely appreciated.
Mr. Martin Braddock
Horticulturist, United Kingdom
Martin has played a meaningful role in supporting the development of the Dunsmuir Urban Collective Garden. His knowledge, encouragement, and generosity contributed both expertise and practical help during the project’s early stages.
Martin has a long-standing fondness for Mission, and during his visits from the United Kingdom he often reconnects with friends and follows the progress of local initiatives. The garden project particularly impressed him, and he offered mentorship and horticultural guidance with candor, friendliness, and genuine interest. He also contributed a laptop, shed, reference books, and a lawnmower to help the garden become established.
The association is grateful for Martin’s insight, enthusiasm, and the support he offered to the project. His involvement is sincerely appreciated.
COMMUNITY PARTNERS AND SUPPORTING ORGANIZATIONS
Binary Freedom Foundation
With appreciation to Briana Lachance for ongoing support in neighbourhood engagement and event assistance.
Mission Community Services Society
With thanks to Allee and the MCSS team for their collaboration through food programs, community connections and event participation.
École des Deux Rives
Special thanks to the Grade 5–6 (2024-2025) classe whose dedication and hard work helped establish the DUC Garden during its foundational year.
Mission Garden Club
Warm thanks to Judi and the Mission Garden Club for offering gardening knowledge, hands on help and seasonal support during garden preparation and volunteer work parties.
Canadian Black Farmers Society
With gratitude for contributing funds toward community event programming, helping support our neighbourhood gatherings.
Local Girl Guides
We appreciate their use of the garden space for activities and their engagement with our community projects.
BENEFACTORS 2021 TO PRESENT
Over the years, many neighbours, local businesses and supporters have contributed funds, supplies and resources that helped the Association grow, host events, distribute newsletters and establish the DUC Garden. We are deeply grateful to everyone whose kindness has strengthened our community.
Jack and Shelley Stout: Donated money toward the garden.
Kim and Eric Fier.: Donated money toward community printing at Sues Copy.
Jonathan H. and Heritage Park Pharmacy: Covered gymnasium rental for an early community potluck.
Tim Hortons The Junction: Provided food and refreshments for many events.
Save On Foods The Junction: Supplied gift cards supporting multiple community events.
Real Canadian Superstore Lougheed Highway: Supplied gift cards supporting multiple community events.
Grab-a-Java: donated fresh coffee beans towards our fundraisers
Community Members
Several neighbours including DNA members and volunteers contributed personal funds toward newsletters, block parties, materials and early garden development.
VOLUNTEERS 2021 TO PRESENT
We extend heartfelt thanks to the many volunteers whose time and energy support the DNA and the DUC Garden throughout the years.
Andrew P., Anne F., Blaine O., Bonnie L., Carol-Ann M., Chandra P., Charlotte M., Cheyenne S., Cheryl M., Chris F., Christy S., Colin B., Curtis A., Dan M., Deanna B., Donna O., Dorinda S., Emma J., Ed M., Eric F., Ernie J., Geri R., Halicia S., Harrison M., Jack S., Jass P., Jean-Paul T. , Jeff S., Karen D., Kim F., Kim S., Kirsten C., Laura A., Leo M., Lilyanna S., Linden D., Lois W., Lori D W., Louis M., Louisa J., Malonie H., Marcus R., Marne F., Martin B., Max M., Maddock M., Mehak M., Megan S., Mel K., Michelle M., Mike M., Mike M., Muqeet M., Nicole B., Pam S., Paula J., Paul C., Patricia R., Pavla T., Rachel C., Rachel S., Reece M., Rishab M., Roger C., Sandra F., Sarah B., Shelley S., Sheryl M., Shuo Y., Steph L., Tammy G., Tony S., Todd D., Todd S., Walter M., Will F.
And many more whose contributions continue to strengthen our community, thank you!
