By Sandra Pilote
If you saw a small wagon filled with red bags being towed along Murray Street on October 23rd, you were witnessing an annual event organized by the Lowertown East Residents Committee (LERC). Pumpkins donated by Rochon Gardens, who have a stall in the ByWard Market at the corner of Byward and York streets, were distributed to families with children by a small group of volunteers ranging in age from about five years to much much older.
The small pumpkins were inside red bags identifying LERC and providing information about this group, which has organized activities in the Lowertown community east of King Edward Avenue since 2007. LERC is part of the Lowertown, Our Home initiative, whose goal is to promote a safe and secure neighbourhood.
The pumpkin giveaway was one of several walks that took place in the neighbourhood in recent months. These walks are aimed at helping neighbours get to know neighbours, as well as being a positive presence on the streets. This pumpkin giveaway walk was fortunate to have Sebastian Lemay, our community police officer, in attendance and well as several staff members from the Lowertown Community Resource Centre.