How New Chairs Made a Big Impact for the Calgary Horticultural Society
Sometimes, the smallest things can make the biggest difference. For the Calgary Horticultural Society, a 2023 Lloyd Sadd Action Grant proved just that, turning a long-standing frustration into a blossoming success story, all thanks to some well-chosen chairs.
For years, the Society had been grappling with a common problem: inadequate seating. As Executive Director Deborah Maier explains, their old folding chairs were “of poor and diminishing quality” and, most importantly , were unsuitable for outdoor use. With primarily outdoor programming, this presented a significant challenge. “We also did not have outdoor chairs for our instructors,” Maier notes, recounting how instructors had to bring their own or resort to using office chairs outdoors. The need for an upgrade was clear, and it had been a priority for two years.
A 2024 Lloyd Sadd Action Grant was a “serendipitous solution” to their seating problems. With the grant, the Calgary Horticultural Society made a strategic investment in resin chairs. These chairs offer the best of both worlds: they “look nice for indoor programs and can also be used outdoors,” perfectly matching their existing folding resin tables.
But the impact didn’t stop there. The grant also allowed them to acquire three director’s chairs for their instructors. These aren’t just any chairs; they’re thoughtfully designed for outdoor use and mobility. “These chairs are light weight and supportive. They have u-shaped legs, so they won’t sink into the ground, have sturdy arms to help one lift themselves up to easily get in and out of the chair and facilitate moving into the audience for show and tell opportunities, and they have an attached side table for cups, props, and notes,” Mair said.
The portability of these director’s chairs is a game-changer. They aren’t confined to the Society’s main location in Richmond Green Park; they can be “readily taken to be used in gardens in the community.” This flexibility significantly expands where and how the Society can offer its valuable programs.
“It is hard to put into words how much these new chairs benefit programming at the Society,” Maier expresses, a testament to the profound impact of what might seem like a simple purchase. These chairs are now a staple throughout the summer months, enhancing all their outdoor events and programs.
The Calgary Horticultural Society’s experience is a wonderful example of how Llyod Sadd Action Grants can remove significant barriers and empower organizations to better serve their communities. As Deborah Maier concludes, “We are so thankful and grateful for this award.”
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