Daffodil site renamed for early supporter

By Peggy Revell on April 28, 2018.

prevell@medicinehatnews.com @MHNprevell

As part of the Daffodil Project’s efforts to recognize those who have stepped up to donate 20,000 bulbs, the planting field near the Medicine Hat College sign has been named “RE/MAX Medalta Meadows.”

The idea to name the planting sites came about as a way to hopefully raise more funds for the project, and also recognize those who have made big donations, said chair Gillian Slade. RE/MAX Medalta was one of the first businesses to come on board, said Slade, donating 20,000 bulbs to the project, which aims to plant 1 million daffodils along the Trans-Canada by 2025.

“This was huge in the early days, that really put us on the map,” Slade said.

Currently there are four planting sites along the highway that are doing well. Each year the project gets quotes for the costs of bulbs — with last year being 23 cents each.

“It was an opportunity really to support and give back to our city,” said Kevin McGivery, with RE/MAX Medalta, saying a beautification project was a way to add a dash of colour alongside a normally dull highway — and to show pride in the city.

He’s excited to see the “huge ribbon of colour” along the highway, like those in other cities who have done similar projects with flowers. Credit has to go to the number of volunteers with the project who have put in so many hours, he added.

“Hopefully this will spur others in the city to start to think of the beauty we can add to the highway, and motivate them to do the same,” he said.

The Daffodil Project will also be holding its inaugural celebration of the blooming season May 12 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the RE/MAX Medalta Meadows site. Parking is available at the Cultural Centre.

The idea behind the project was always for the community to come together to celebrate the blooming flowers —and the end of winter, said Slade.

Alongside refreshments, the many volunteers and businesses who have donated funds, equipment or the use of equipment toward the project will be recognized. There will also be photo opportunities with the daffodils and a special daffodil frame. As it’s the day prior to Mother’s Day, it’s also a chance for people to celebrate and honour mothers, said Slade.

For more information, visit medhatdaffodils.wordpress.com or telephone the chair, Gillian Slade at 403-528-8635.

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