Fraser Region
Regional Rise Up! Spotlight: Fraser
This work is taking place on the traditional, ancestral territories of many Coast Salish nations who have cared for these lands since time immemorial, including the Kwantlen, Katzie, Matsqui, and Semiahmoo.
Welcome to the Fraser Region! The Fraser Regional Lead for the Rise Up! program is looking forward to connecting young people with local organizations and businesses working in food systems and environmental stewardship across areas of the region such as Delta, Surrey, Burnaby, the Tri-Cities, and the Fraser Valley.
Rise Up! is offering exciting opportunities for youth to get involved in impactful projects across the region. These include growing food at intergenerational and multicultural community farms and gardens, supporting habitat restoration, maintaining an urban food forest, and running cooking workshops and community kitchens for families – all in partnership with several amazing host organizations highlighted below!
A Bit About Me – Your Fraser Regional Lead
Payal Parti
I am grateful to live and work on the traditional territories of the Coast Salish peoples, specifically the Katzie, Kwantlen, and Semiahmoo First Nations – what is now known as Surrey, BC.
Through my studies in Food, Nutrition and Health, I became interested in the interconnectedness between food systems, the environment, and community wellbeing, with a focus on health equity and the social determinants of health.
My diverse experiences in research, health promotion, career education and youth engagement led me to Rise Up!, where I am excited to foster community collaboration, build capacity within our food systems, and help youth get involved.
I am looking forward to collaborating with youth from diverse backgrounds, supporting them in learning new skills, feeling more connected to their community, and contributing to meaningful change alongside local community partners.
Meet Our Fraser Region Host Organizations
DIVERSEcity Community Resources Society
Surrey
Based in Surrey, DIVERSEcity supports people from all walks of life, including immigrants, newcomers and refugees through culturally safe programs that promote belonging, skill-building, and community connection.
Their food-related programming focuses on growing, preparing, and sharing food across different cultures and generations.
As a volunteer, you’ll help run workshops in the multicultural community garden and support the Community Kitchen and FoodFit programs, which teach families and seniors about nutrition and cooking skills.
This is a great opportunity to support cross-cultural community connection, enhance local food security, and build your leadership skills!
FarmFolk CityFolk – Lower Mainland
Langley
FarmFolk CityFolk is a provincial non-profit organization dedicated to strengthening food systems through education, community outreach, policy advocacy, and hands-on field work in areas of agriculture, climate solutions, and seed security.
As part of the BC Seed Security Program, FarmFolk CityFolk runs a Seed Hub site at the Fraser Common Farm in Langley, where exciting work in seed production, testing, cleaning and packing helps protect and grow BC’s local seed supply.
Volunteers will gain hands-on experience in planting and harvesting crops at a community farm, exploring native plants in the medicinal demonstration garden, and learning about seed saving, production and breeding along the way!
You’ll also get a chance to help plan and host community events that engage and educate visitors about local foods, seeds, and sustainable agriculture.
Langley Environmental Partners Society (LEPS)
Langley
LEPS is an organization dedicated to addressing environmental issues in Langley through education, community collaboration, and hands-on projects related to food, plants and wildlife.
Their work spans habitat restoration, environmental education and workshops, urban agriculture, and wildlife monitoring. As a Rise Up! volunteer with LEPS, you’ll have the chance to support their agricultural and environmental stewardship initiatives by growing food on their urban farm, taking care of and harvesting fruits from a food forest, and supporting salmon habitat restoration by removing invasive species and tree planting.
This is a unique opportunity to deepen your understanding of local ecosystems and food systems while actively contributing to positive environmental change!
Zimbabwe Cultural Society of BC (ZICUSO BC)
Delta
ZICUSO BC works to support the Zimbabwean community and beyond through various programs, including those related to food security, housing assistance, seniors’ wellness, youth engagement, and refugee support.
Their farming projects and food distribution program promote access to nutritious, culturally relevant foods, while fostering connection and a sense of belonging across generations. In the past, ZICUSO BC led a seniors’ farming project focused on skill development, knowledge-sharing and community-building.
They also launched a Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA) program to support local farmers and strengthen ties between producers and the community.
ZICSUO BC is now welcoming youth volunteers to their Delta Farm, where they’ll gain experience in sustainable farming methods, learn about culturally relevant foods, and grow and distribute fresh produce to community members.
This is a wonderful opportunity to try farming while supporting food access and cultural connection!
Other Organizations
Some of the other organizations we are excited and grateful to be partnering with include:
Ready to Get Involved?
Want to learn more about Rise Up!? Fill out our contact form below to connect with our Fraser Regional Lead. The Regional leads can walk you through next steps and work closely with you to shape volunteer opportunities that align with your organizational goals and values.
