Flowers & Food – Double the Joy: Our Eco-Floral Art Social Success

What a weekend! If you’ve ever wondered what happens when you combine fresh blooms, home-cooked food, and an open heart, let me tell you: it’s magic.

From Small Workshops to Big Connections

When I first envisioned this project, I leaned toward smaller workshops to provide one-on-one attention for floral design. But the funding committee from Richmond Cares Richmond Gives (“RCRG”) challenged us to dream bigger: let’s make it one large, amazing event.

The result? A vibrant flower party coupled with a multicultural feast that brought our community together. This day, apart from the beautiful flowers from Canadian Tire at Ironwood, Richmond, our shared table featured:

• Singaporean Fried Vermicelli
• Thai Tom Yum Chicken with Red Curry
• Korean Chap Chae
• Japanese Sesame Dressing over Cabbage
• Chinese Fried Noodles
• Shrimp/Veggie Skewers
• Mediterranean Salad
• Russian Traditional Salad
• Ham Wraps

Overcoming Challenges: Rain or Shine

The food plan was set, but a rainy forecast felt like a hurdle. As a person of faith, I’ve learned that when you start with a good initiative, the right solutions appear just in time. A huge thank you to the Cambie Community Centre for offering their newly installed covered picnic tables. It turned out to be an even better location than originally planned, with easy access to water and facilities that made the day smooth and comfortable for everyone.

Building Bridges, One “Hello” at a Time

The true beauty of the day wasn’t just in the arrangements; it was in the connections. I watched a guest named Mena bring her family along, and she immediately spotted a senior woman walking by who looked curious. Even though there was a language barrier, Mena stepped up, greeted her in Mandarin, and invited her to join us. It was a beautiful reminder that an open, welcoming space is created with a simple “Hello”—that small act immediately made our new guest feel at home.

Community Impact Multiplying

I also witnessed two women bonding over our delicious spread, quickly discovering a shared passion for floral design. They even asked to volunteer for my nonprofit, Ave Maria Garden. Seeing that community impact multiply organically is exactly why we do this.

Generations and Inclusivity

My goal for this Neighborhood Small Grant (NSG) project was to ensure it was truly “all ages welcome,” and we did just that. It was heartwarming to watch a 5-year-old girl gently helping a 2-year-old with repotting plants and creating a small bouquet. Watching the next generation learn to build community is nothing short of amazing.

“Man”power is Here to Help

We also broke some barriers! Floral events often see fewer men, but by adding food to the mix, we saw families join in together. It was wonderful to see everyone helping with the flowers, sharing the food, and starting their own lively conversations. The momentum didn’t stop when the party ended, either. When a guest found it tricky to load her flowers into her car, others jumped in to help. It was a true spirit of “double learning, double engagement, and double happiness.”

With Grateful Hearts

This project, under the Association of Neighborhood Houses BC (ANHBC), was made possible by the funding committee of the Vancouver Foundation and our local partner, Richmond Cares, Richmond Gives (RCRG). Their flexibility allowed us to take what we had been daydreaming about and bring it to life.

We are also so thankful to our flower sponsors, Canadian Tire (Chrissy, you rock!)

Also London Drugs, for their commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility. They are setting a fantastic example for other businesses to support their local communities.

What we’ve gained isn’t just a network, it’s a community of love and care. And the best part? When the flowers go home, the conversations continue, spreading love and hope well beyond our event.

The Secret Ingredients of Our “Recipe of Life”

When we talk about the “Recipe of Life,” the most important ingredients aren’t found in a pantry – they aren’t the mushrooms, pork, or chicken we shared at our feast. They are the values that bring us together.

Our essential ingredients for a thriving community include:

1. An open heart: A willingness to meet and embrace people from every background
2. Seeking the good of others: Choosing to look for the best in everyone we encounter.
3. Mutual respect: Honoring the dignity and journey of every individual, regardless of language or age.
4. Generosity of spirit: Giving our time and talents to support one another, even when it’s just helping someone load their car.
5. Inclusive connection: Actively creating space so that everyone, from toddlers to seniors, feels they have a place at our table.

And, just as importantly, here are the “unhealthy” ingredients we choose to filter out:

1. Stereotypes: Such as the harmful, unfounded label that “Asians are rude”, we choose to replace this with curiosity and kindness.
2. Exclusivity: The habit of only sticking to our “own” circles instead of welcoming the stranger passing by.
3. Judgment: Forming opinions based on appearance rather than taking the time to share a “Hello.”
4. Fear of the Unknown: Allowing the “rainy forecasts” of life or cultural barriers to keep us from reaching out.
5. Individualism: The belief that we must do everything alone, rather than realizing that our impact multiplies when we support one another.

When we intentionally choose these ingredients, we don’t just host a party, we build a legacy of love, care, and hope that lasts long after the last flower has wilted.

What ingredients are you adding to your own Recipe of Life today?

What are you doing to spread love and hope in your neighborhood this summer?

Stay tuned! We are planning our Round 2 soon as we have some supplies left, and we can’t wait to see you there. Keep an eye on our updates at Facebook here.

Oh dear, did I forget to mention that my previous shoulder pain had kind of disappeared? Is it the joy that heals me like a medicine? Haha…