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In this issue:
30 Day GMO Free Challenge!
Challenge yourself to live GMO Free!
Are you curious to see what it takes to live without consuming genetically modified organisms (GMOs)? As a component of the seed literacy campaign, CGC staff will both partake and assist community members in the process of becoming GMO-free. From the foods we eat, to the consumer products we purchase, join the challenge to learn what and how GMOs impact your life. This educational challenge will run from January 18th to February 16th, 2012 with a focus on reducing or eliminating GM food and non-food items from participants’ everyday lives. To assist participants through this challenge, CGC will provide resources on GMOs, including daily tips, advice and sources of inspiration intended to guide the challenge. Participants, along with CGC staff, will also have the opportunity to blog and, or tweet about their questions, ideas, challenges and ultimately success. We want to hear your stories about living GMO free! This challenge is free and is open to anyone interested in learning how they can reduce their consumption of GMOs. All citizens hold the power to create change! Take the Challenge and find out how you too can make a difference. For more information or to register, contact the Cowichan Green Community at 250-748-8506 or visit our website by clicking here!
Sustainable Living Centre: Artist Profile: Collin Elder
 We are so pleased to share this months local artist, Collin Elder, with you all. Currently we have some of Collin's amazing art cards for sale, but we believe that these miniature versions of the real thing should be framed and adored for years to come. Here is a little background on Collin's art and the heart of his work. "I see art as the unconscious filter of our experiences, material from the depths of our minds and souls, spread on canvas. As artists, we have the ability to translate subtle levels of consciousness into visuals that inspire and transform our realities to embrace the interdependent nature of our connections with each other and all life. I paint to connect with myself, with nature and to share the awe of this planet with others. Most images are reflections of an ancient desire to be connected with the mysteries of life, some I need to trawl for, but all are inspired by my craving for the enigmatic." -Collin Elder To read more, or to be further inspired by Collin's art, please visit: www.collinelder.com
Electric Bike Raffle: Last chance to get your ticket! 
For those of you who haven't tried their luck with a raffle ticket on our Pedego electric bike, you have just one week left! Just think about it, a $5 ticket could lead you into the New Year with an Electric Pedego Classic Cruiser Hybrid Bicycle! However, even if you don't win, you can rest easy knowing that your $5 will be used towards CGC's Food Security programs and initiatives. Tickets will be available at our storefront location until 5pm on January 12th. Perhaps you will be the lucky owner of a new E-bike for the New Year! The winner will be announced on January 13th, 2012! For more detailed information about the Pedego Classic Cruiser please visit www.pedego.com, or visit our Sustainable Living Centre at 181 Station Street and take this beauty for a FREE test drive!
Cowichan Valley Apple Cider 
Due to a bountiful apple season this year, we are still selling our local Cowichan Valley Community Apple Cider to those of you who haven't had a chance to stop by. All proceeds from this cider will go back into supporting CGC, and we thank all of our fabulous volunteers and homeowners for their participation. We will be offering the 2 litre bottles for a suggested donation of $6.00 each, or 4 bottles for $20. But hurry quick because we have only two dozen left! To pick up a bottle, please visit our storefront location at 181 Station Street. If you would like to reserve a bottle, please email amanda [at] cowichangreencommunity [dot] org">amanda [at] cowichangreencommunity [dot] org
Community Events:
North Cowichan is seeking input to its Climate Action and Energy Plan – everyone in the Cowichan Region is welcome to contribute ideas that will make North Cowichan and the wider Cowichan region greener and more sustainable. Get involved in the dialogue and share your ideas here: http://ncclimateaction.ideascale.com/a/panel.do
Grow Food with Joy! Jan 11, 18 & 25, 2012:
Beginning Wednesday January 11, learn how to grow great food using permaculture techniques that model nature. The cost for the three-class series is $50.
Or give your loved one a Grow Food Gift Package for Christmas, which includes one gardening class with Joy, a subscription to GROW FOOD Network Magazine and two packages of seeds. The Gift Packages are available for $30/each and can be purchased at Sunflower Cafe. For more information about the workshop series, or the Gift Package, please contact growfood [at] shaw [dot] ca or 250-743-1352
Soil Bioengineering & Restoration Workshop - Feb 25 & 26, 2012: The Cowichan Land Trust is pleased to present this 2 day course. Content will focus on soil bioengineering techniques and options involved in restoration and reclamation of damaged ecosystems using a combination of structural materials, vegetative cuttings and other specialized methods. Soil bioengineering is an applied science that uses live plant materials to perform an engineering function such as slope stabilization, soil erosion control, or seepage control. Lunch and refreshments will be provided on day one, but participants should bring a packed lunch on day two. The registration fee is $120 for Cowichan Land Trust members and $150 for non-members. The optional course manual is $30. For further questions or to register for the course, please contact Jen Morgen via phone: (250) 746-0227 or email: info [at] cowichanlandtrust [dot] ca">info [at] cowichanlandtrust [dot] ca
Garden Spaces/ Greenhouses & Rental Suites:
Funky cabin on mixed organic farm available as a
sublet (fully furnished) immediately until March 15. $600/ month. Rent reduced if cat-care included. Great place for a quiet retreat. Please phone Lynn at 250 597 3513.
Volunteer Opportunities:
Volunteer Coordinator needed
CGC is currently looking for a volunteer coordinator to help us facilitate our fantastic volunteers for upcoming events. We have so many volunteers that want to get involved with CGC, but due to a lack of staff power we often find ourselves scrambling at the last minute to rally up our people! This would be a volunteer position that would be a resume builder, alongside a great chance to network and get involved with like-minded people. If you think that you would be a great volunteer coordinator, please email: part6 [dot] 09040607 [dot] 01040404 [at] shawbiz [dot] ca" moz-do-not-send="false">emilydy [at] cowichangreencommunity [dot] org and we will be in touch!
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Events: Agriculture Workshop:
Grow More Food
Year Round w/ David Cohlmeyer
January 19th, 2011
9:00am - 4:30pm
Free Event
Pre-registration required
Located at the Duncan United Church, 246 Ingram Street, we invite all farmers and those interested in food production to listen and be inspired by renown farmer David Cohlmeyer, a very successful chef turned four season farmer. Please call CGC at 250-748-8506 to reserve your FREE seat (limited no.of seats available) Includes a FREE lunch and light refreshments. Brought to you by the CVRD Environment Commission, the Cowichan Agricultural Society, and Cowichan Green Community .
For more information, please click here!
Tell our Government that you want!
Mandatory Labelling on Genetically Modified Foods
We all have the right to choose what we eat. Assert your right; tell our government you want foods containing genetically modified ingredients to be labelled. This petition is in support of Bill C-257.
Add your signature by coming in to our store front at 181 Station St. or print off a copy that you and your friends, family, neighbours and co-workers can sign.
Support CGC through the Peninsula CO-OP!
Would you like to support CGC, but aren’t sure how? An easy way to donate to CGC could be the next time you go to fill up with gas. If you stop at your local Co-op gas station, just tell them you want to donate your gas purchase points to Cowichan Green Community's account (#49620)! It will quickly add up for us, we can put the points to great use, and the Peninsula Co-op is a Vancouver Island based co-operative! Awesome!
Many Thanks to Organic Fair for supporting Farm to School!
Organic Fair is a member of one percent for the planet, and they have chosen to support CGC's Farm to School lunch program. Because of Organic Fair's support, CGC will be able to host farm tours and lunches for local schools in the New Year! We are so appreciative of their contribution to this project and we look forward to working together towards greater food security for all ages. If you haven't been to their farm, Organic Fair is located at 1935 Doran Road. You can also visit their website by clicking here!
Thank You's:
We would like to thank Gillian Stone, Tom Devereaux, Patrick Amyot, and Michelle Staples!
Please note, if we didn't mention your name, you are still amazing!
And of course, new volunteers are always welcome! Contact us at 250-748-8506 or info [at] cowichangreencommunity [dot] org if you would like to
volunteer with us.
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