Commit a Donation to WBNA for 401 Gives
Rhode Island’s biggest annual day of giving is just around the corner, and we’re taking part! On April 1st, you can donate to WBNA via our 401Gives page to maximize the impact of your contribution. Throughout the day donated funds will be matched by United Way of RI’s partners. This year, we’re raising funds for three projects which will bring neighbors together in person and encourage us to collaborate for a healthier, happier, and more sustainable neighborhood.
Project 1: Community Garden Revival
In 2019, WBNA was forced to close down our beloved community gardens on Bridgham and Westminster Street and at the former Park View Nursing Home due to planned development.
Now, we’re planning to start the garden back up on a new piece of land! Help us bring neighbors together over the life-sustaining work of growing healthy food as a community.
Donate to help us purchase: raised bed materials, soil and compost, rain barrels, seeds/plants, miscellaneous gardening supplies, and any other costs associated with gaining access to a new space. Goal: $3,000
Project 2: Bringing Back Neighborhood Nights
Before the pandemic, in-person neighborhood nights were one of the central ways we brought neighbors together to collaborate and get involved in community building. This year, we’re finally bringing them back!
Donate to help us fund: refreshments/dinner, supplies, babysitters so more working families can attend, and monetary contributions to speakers and experts. Goal: $1,500
Project 3: Medicinal Plant Installation and Pollinator Garden
In our quest to find creative, engaging ways to use the outdoor space at the WBNA headquarters, we’ve joined with local artist Susan Freda to create an art installation/medicinal plant garden. With our help, she’ll plant a garden of medicinal and native plants that support the health of various body systems. Our new garden space will attract pollinators and local birds and will provide a contemplative space for the community. Educational markers throughout the garden will describe the plants and their medicinal uses and workshops will be offered to those wanting to dig deeper. We also plan to expand on the installation in collaboration with the Tomaquag Museum to share their traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) with our community.
Donate to help us buy: plants and garden supplies; garden markers; educational pamphlets; and to pay our collaborators. Goal: $3,000