Raise the Barn

The New Glasgow Farmers Market is an independent non-profit co-operative organization.  The NGFM is home to more than 70 farmers, food producers and local artisans in New Glasgow, Pictou County and surrounding areas in Nova Scotia. We have two buildings. One of them is a heated space that we can use year round. The other is a seasonal, non-heated, non-insulated tent-like "dome". Consequently, this building has to be closed down during the cold winter months.  As a result, we are not able to accommodate all vendors that want to attend which is prohibitive to their businesses and contrary to our mandate to provide a low-cost venue for local entrepreneurs.  We need more room to bloom! What we would like to do is replace the existing dome structure (to be re-used elsewhere in our community) with a building that is heated and insulated. We will raise a barn right on top of the existing dome footprint! What does this mean for our vendors? It means we don't have to limit our vendors or turn them away. They will have ample space to continue to earn their livelihoods.  What does this mean for our community? We are a social space. Many of our patrons visit us because they enjoy speaking with our vendors and they meet up with friends or neighbours however, as it stands,  in the winter there is no space to do this.  Having this additional heated space means our community will truly have year round access to local food and products. They will have a warm place to shop and a warm space to socialize and eat, making it possible to continue our whole health focus year-round.  It also means that we will be able to increase our economic and social impact in our community. How soon do we need this? Well, the sooner the better! We don't have exact costs yet as we are waiting for drawings but we know that it's going to cost more than we have, so we are starting now. While we expect this project to cost more than $100, 000, we have set this GoFundMe for $50, 000.  As we near this goal and plans and costs become clear, this goal will likely increase.  Obviously, the sooner we reach our goal, the faster we can Raise the Barn and the sooner we can make a difference! Your contribution, no matter the size, will have a direct impact on many lives and livelihoods. You will make a real difference to real families and the dreams of entrepreneurs who will in turn contribute to our community. An example of how a small act can make a huge impact!  Thriving farmers markets and  access to local food is an integral part to any community. We are grateful for your contribution and we hope that you share this initiative! On behalf of all of the vendors and NGFM Board, we thank you! -Kristi Russell, NGFM Market Manager