Flowercart participants celebrate milestones

By Wendy Elliott

The Advertiser/NovaNewsNow.com

Eva Kerr recently retired after 32 satisfying years at the Flowercart in New Minas. She began at the age of 38 when the Flowercart was five years old and just 25 people attended the sheltered workshop at the old New Minas elementary school.

The list of work that Eva accomplished since 1975 is a chronicle of the evolution of Flowercart. She has done her share of activities and craftwork, participated in almost all contract work, and business initiative.

Eva worked in the former storefront café. Her ability to carry herself well and represent her peers made her an obvious choice to work in public settings, noted executive director Roger Tatlock. She was one of the first participants to work on computer skills and participate in adult literacy classes.

Eva did manual labour most of her time at Flowercart, and many other jobs not traditionally associated with women. She began living independently at the age of 50 and retired as she turned 70.

Recently the Flowercart celebrated the careers of four workers who’ve spent over 25 years on the job. They include Brian Patriquin, Machelle Hubley, Anthony Wadell and Anthony Sturgeon.

Brian began working at Flowercart in 1982. Currently he works at labeling products, preparing fliers and packaging. A friendly individual, he enjoys making deliveries.

Machelle started out at the old Wolfville workshop. Today she helps with composting and recycling and does volunteer work with the VON.

Anthony Waddell also began at the Wolfville workshop and it was soon obvious that he loves to work with his hands. He has an uncanny ability to know what tool is needed or what piece of equipment is required to get the job done, says developmental services co-ordinator Kevin West.

Anthony Sturgeon joined the crew at the Flowercart bakery, Baker’s Choice Fine Foods, in 1981. In 1994, he became department head of used clothing and woodworking.

Over the past year the Flowercart has increased the number of clients served to 195 over the past year and now has 44 employees. At the annual general meeting June 26, chairperson Perry Wallace noted the society received over $20,000 in unsolicited donations during the year.

The Flowercart works closely with a number of local businesses, including Michelin and Just Us Coffee Roasters. The Kentville Soup Kitchen and Salvation Army Thrift Store hosted community placements over the past year.

The Flowercart ships on average over 30,000 pounds of used clothing every month. The bakery received new ovens this year, which helped increase production of rolls to 13,659 dozen.