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Sailors help kids with green thumbs – Metro US

Sailors help kids with green thumbs

They helped to rebuild Haiti, and yesterday they built a greenhouse in Halifax. More than 20 sailors took part in United Way’s Day of Caring by building a greenhouse on the grounds of St. Patrick’s Church on Brunswick Street.

“A bunch of guys who are here went to Haiti so this is what they do,” said Master Cpl. Cathy Kuseler. “We’re depending on them for their expertise.”

The greenhouse is for inner-city kids who grow herbs and vegetables in plots during the summer. The highly-successful program Hope Blooms shows kids how to grow plants, make salad dressing and sell it. A greenhouse means they’ll be able to keep up production year-round, said Jane Moloney.

They sell the salad dressings at the Farmers’ Market and to restaurants. A large portion of the money they make goes to scholarships for the kids, and about 15 per cent goes to a charity of their choice.

“It makes them feel for the first time, they’re in a position to give to someone who has less than them. It makes them feel very good about themselves and very positive,” Moloney said.