This is Snowy and he has been homeless since the age of 14 until he met John Brabant, the founder of the Carevan Foundation in 2009.
Finally in his 60’s, Snowy has a place he calls ‘home’- a sunny apartment in the NSW town of Albury/Wodonga.
The “Snowy Veggie Patch” project was born out of the contemplation of what it must have been like to be constantly on the road, hungry, never having roots to lay down, a sense of security or a sense of belonging … the many qualities most of us take for granted.
I met Snowy in 2012 and talked with him about his love of food and discovered he had a flare for cooking. During our chat, Snowy mentioned he had done some fruit picking on his travels but had never planted a seed in his life. Hitting me like a thunderbolt, I knew we had to give him that opportunity – to really plant some seeds and watch them grow!!
There is a sense of wonder and excitement in planting seeds a connection perhaps to the unseen forces of Mother Nature. The act of growing our own food gives us a sense, that at least for now, we are still connected to something outside of ourselves.
Not being swayed by his small urban balcony we have planted, Basil, Coriander, Lettuce, Tomato, Cucumber, Capsicum, Jalapeno Chili’s, Tatsoi, Beetroot and some Micro Greens for Snowy’s salad.
If all germinate according to plan then Snowy suggested he could give some to his neighbours – “What a great idea Snowman”
This project would not have been possible without the generous support of Bunnings in Albury and the wonderful caring kick ass CEO of Carevan , Jodie Tiernan.
Thanks guys
We will be keeping you updated on Snowy and his Urban Veggie Patch – stay tuned.
