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"You Can't Know the Needs of a Community Unless You Know the Community."
- Debbie MacKinnon
Volunteers are the Heart of the Community
I believe that volunteering is the most sincere way to show commitment to creating positive change within our communities. Over the years, I have spent countless hours volunteering with local groups and have built a strong record of community leadership. I firmly believe that community involvement is essential for any candidate seeking your support, and as your Councillor, I will bring this same dedication and commitment to City Council to improve our neighborhoods.
Although there are many organizations that I champion, there are three that take the majority of my free time these days. I am always ready to lend a helping hand, and my experience, to any organizations or projects that reach out.
Fairview Community Association: (Chair)
Each year, the Fairview Community Association hosts a "Fairview Family Day" celebration. Thanks to generous donations & sponsorship from local businesses, this event is entirely free for residents to attend. There is a BBQ, games, community booths, and a free outdoor movie with popcorn. Last year over 800 people attended and the numbers keep growing every year!
Each December we also host the annual tree lighting at Titus Smith Park. Residents meet at Freeman's in Fairview for a candlelit walk to the park. At the event, there is carol singing, hot chocolate & snacks, turkey giveaways and the tree lighting - and of course a visit from Mr. and Mrs. Clause - what a wonderful way to kick off the holidays!
We also partner with individuals and other groups to participate in a local letter clean up, each spring.
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Grow Your Vision
Fairview Farmers Market: (Founder & Organizer)
In 2020, I was the asked to take on the role of community liasion for the Fairview - Clayton Park Farmers Market and to test out if our community would be viable for a market location. While it proved to be a hefty task in the beginning, it has since blossomed into a market that unites our community and supports many local small businesses.
On June 6th 2024 the market opened for its fourth season, and I am pleased to say that it has become known as the social gathering place where each Thursday, friends and neighbors come to MEET, EAT and SHOP. There is a tremendous line up of weekly vendors, live music and giveaway draws.
As a member of Farmers Market Nova Scotia, our market participates in the Nourishing Communities Program. This program provides thousands of dollars in funding, which the market distributes to local families who are experiencing food insecurity and who register for "Market Bucks."
In 2024, for the first season ever, the market was also able to provide $5,000 to Schools Plus Team representing the five local schools in our catchment area (Fairview Jr High, Fairview Heights Elementry, Duc D'Anville, Clayton Park Jr High and Burton Ettinger Elementry). These grants are distributed to families of students who require a helping hand. A total contribution of $11,000 ($6,000 from Nourishing Communities and $5,000 from our market) is going directly back into addressing food insecurity in our neighborhood!
Fairview Historical Society: (Board Member)
The Fairview Historical Society (FHS) is dedicated to preserving the rich heritage of Fairview and the surrounding areas.
For the last few years we have been working with the city to design and install three interperative panels that will share historical information about the area with residents and visitors. You should soon see these popping up in the community in the coming months.
As part of giving back to the community, the FHS hosts fundraising events and all profits go towards funding a student bursary. In 2023, the society was able to present a $300 bursary to Halifax West High School to award to a deserving student from Fairview who will be pursuing post secondary studies.