Blog  August 29, 2012

Practicing the Art of Living in Richmond Hill

(Photo: Vikas Gajjar)

Since last year, three families have been making positive environmental change at Hunter’s Point Wildlife Park in Richmond Hill. They are all members of The Art of Living Foundation, an international non-profit, volunteer-based organization engaged in stress management though humanitarian initiatives. We recently caught up with spokesperson Mr. Vikas Gajjar to learn more.

What has your group been doing? We’ve been caring for the native wildflower gardens and trees in the park. We’ve removed unwanted and invasive species like Garlic Mustard, Canadian Thistle, Burdock, and Queen Anne’s Lace; we’ve planted native wildflowers to attract valuable pollinators and we’ve laid mulch around the gardens and trees to help build soil quality. We have all learned a great deal about native plants and their role in the environment, the challenges of managing invasive species; and the benefits of mulching!

Why do we do it? We have an opportunity to work together, learn new skills and stay active, all while making positive changes around us. Volunteering outside evokes in us a sense of inner peace and happiness as we know that our hard work is benefiting the environment and that we are improving the integrity of our local community.

Why Evergreen? Evergreen is a socially- and environmentally-minded organization whose values and ideals complement our governing principles. By providing opportunities for groups such as ours, we can interact and experience nature through hands-on educational activities. The staff are knowledgeable and friendly, and always teaching and explaining to us the value of the work we are doing. 

What else do you do? Our group heavily believes in inner peace through self-awareness and stress-free living and members are encouraged to volunteer in a cause that they believe in, a large component to living a happy and balanced life. For me personally, when I’m not out in Hunter’s Point pulling weeds I can be found leading yoga and meditation workshops and supporting various social and economic projects the Foundation is involved in internationally, including the children’s educational project Care for Children.