Team of 180 dedicated volunteers celebrated with municipal award

They produce 30,000 snacks and meals every year, grow thousands of pounds of food, and wash an awful lot of dishes, and last night The North Grove’s incredible team of 180 volunteers was publicly recognized with a 2026 Group Volunteer Award by the Halifax Regional Municipality. 

“Volunteers support every single program area at The North Grove, from community meals to child development and our community farm,” says Laura Horn, Executive Director at The North Grove. 

“None of our work would be possible without them.” 

A group of volunteers proudly celebrating together with their well-deserved award certificate.

Over the past three years alone, volunteers of all ages have contributed more than 30,000 hours of time to the organization’s programs. Many fill more than one shift every week, and some have volunteered for 10 years.

Volunteers Carolyn Jones and Marc Brochu attended the ceremony to accept the award on behalf of the team. Carolyn spends every Thursday volunteering at The North Grove—from cafe prep and service in the morning to prep for the weekly subsidized market in the afternoon. Marc also helps with Thursday afternoon market prep every week and devotes many hours to caring for The North Grove’s Community Farm.

“As a former farmer, social worker, and lifelong volunteer, I see just how special The North Grove is. It’s a place that nurtures people as much as plants—supporting food security, family well-being, and a strong sense of community,” says Brochu. 

Nearly half of The North Grove’s volunteers are community members who also access programs like free community meals, parenting workshops, and food skills programs. 

“People are so eager to give back. The reciprocity of our volunteer program is something very special,” says Volunteer Manager, Catherine Morley. 

Dartmouth North is a community disproportionately affected by poverty, food insecurity and social isolation. 98% of program participants say they rely on The North Grove as an important source of healthy food and social connection. So, access to these free programs is vital.  

Morley is consistently blown away by the number of people who wish to help out at The North Grove. 

“We know it’s not always easy to recruit and retain enough help, and yet we are joyfully overwhelmed by how many people want to volunteer here,” she says. “We receive up to 15 new volunteer applications every month.” 

The reason? Volunteers say it’s the supportive environment and ability to connect with one another. Especially in this age of increased social isolation.  

“It’s not just about the time you spend here, but the community you become a part of,” says Morley. “Congratulations to The North Grove’s volunteers on this special recognition of your dedication and collective impact in this community.”