Donegal community garden a huge hit

Young people from Donegal who joined forces and worked throughout the summer creating a community garden wowed thousands who recently attended the National Ploughing Championships in Offaly.

Groups from Ballyshannon Neighbourhood Youth Project, The Deck Project Donegal Town and Killybegs Youth Project and drop-in centre were all involved in the project where ALDI teamed up with Foróige, the National Youth Development Organisation combined to gve a platform to these young and very talented people.

Donegal’s Community Garden was based upon a fairy theme, inspired by the poetry of William Allingham and the Wild Atlantic Way.

ALDI sponsored the plants and materials for the young people and provided them with a unique opportunity to learn about gardening processes by being mentored by landscape experts and Aldi plant supplier SAP, whilst cultivating their creativity.

Sean Campbell, CEO of Foróige said “The build up to the National Ploughing Championships involved many dedicated hours of hard work and creative achievement for these young gardeners.

Greatness of young people

“Fostering the greatness of young people and providing them with innovative opportunities is exactly what Foróige is about. Without the support of Aldi this programme would not have been possible and it has been a privilege to watch the level of achievement these young people have been capable of”.

“I want to pay a special tribute to the young people and volunteers who not only worked so diligently at creating the gardens but also took great care in showing and explaining their work to the thousands of visitors to them,” Sean said.