A community garden: a volunteer-led effort in Tokyo

For ten years the neighborhood has asked for a community garden. This year a group of 9 volunteers, including the parish youth group, decided to stop waiting. The council has given permission for the Union vacant lot, but no funding. We have received donated timber, and the remaining cost is $700. It will serve about 509 people, including young people who have nowhere safe to play. We'll hold a build day in May and everyone is invited. We're a small team, and every dollar will be spent in the open - I'll post receipts and progress photos. Funds are spent only on materials, permits and safety equipment; all labor is volunteered. Where the $700 goes: • Safety equipment and signage: $195 • Tools hire and delivery: $250 • Permits and inspections: $255 I never thought I'd be the one asking, and I'm grateful for every bit of support.