(Ottawa, ON) November 25, 2021 – The Legacy of Hope Foundation (LHF) is grateful for the impact ZipGrow had on the success of our Local Food by Local Youth pilot project. Through ZipGrow’s support and vast knowledge of hydroponic systems, along with their truly one-of-a-kind vertical hydroponic technology, youth from The Chippewas of the Thames First Nation were able to experience real growth in their knowledge and in applications of alternative sustainable growing methods within their home community.

Based out of Cornwall, ON, ZipGrow is a hydroponic company that is responding to the increasing global need for local and sustainable food production through the design and manufacture of economically viable, resource-efficient, and productive hydroponic equipment. With the growing concerns of water scarcity and a diminishing soil quality around the world, hydroponics is helping to mitigate these issues through their growing methods that require minimal water consumption. ZipGrow aims to help empower people who wish to take part in a more sustainable food system. They are also a great resource for schools and communities, as their systems are simple to use, have productive yields, are time efficient, and mobile. ZipGrow offers in depth guides and training manuals, as well as financing options in purchasing equipment.

“Through the resources and expertise shared by Ian Friderich of ZipGrow, the piloting of The Local Food by Local Youth project was able to provide a hands-on learning experience for the youth of Chippewas of the Thames First Nation.” says Teresa Edwards, Executive Director and In-House Legal Counsel at the LHF. “In spite of the COVID-19 measures and restrictions since the onset of this pilot project, ZipGrow’s equipment and knowledge base greatly contributed to the project’s success.” Their hydroponic designs and expertise are a reflection of their passion for facilitating a wider network of sustainable food systems. Working with ZipGrow to learn about hydroponics was pivotal to the success of this project and choosing their Towers and Farm Walls to grow food for The Local Food by Local Youth project, will help ensure productive yields of healthy foods for years to come.”

The LHF is a national, Indigenous-led, charitable organization that has been working to promote healing and Reconciliation in Canada for over 21 years. The LHF’s goal is to educate and raise awareness about the history and existing intergenerational impacts of the Residential and Day School Systems and subsequent Sixties Scoop on Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit, and Métis) Survivors, their descendants, and their communities to promote hope and healing in Canada. The LHF works to encourage people to address discrimination and injustice in order to contribute to the equity, dignity, and respectful treatment of Indigenous Peoples and to foster Reconciliation.

The LHF has more than 25 educational exhibitions that promote awareness of Indigenous history that are free to borrow and is working on making exhibitions available online. LHF also has curriculum for K-12 and for adults, along with Activity Guides, Workshops and Training, podcasts, all aimed at educating Canadians about Indigenous history and the shared history of Residential and Day Schools, the Sixties Scoop, etc. The LHF works to develop empathy and understanding so as to eliminate racism against Indigenous Peoples.