City announces Extend-A-Family Kingston as recipient of the 2025 Kingston Community Climate Action Fund

The City of Kingston is excited to announce that Extend-A-Family Kingston has been selected as the recipient of the 2025 Kingston Community Climate Action Fund (KCCAF) for its Growability Hydroponic Greenhouse Project. This initiative aims to address the City’s climate action goals while fostering sustainability, inclusivity and local food security in the community.

The Growability Hydroponic Greenhouse Project will upgrade and scale the operations of two hydroponic greenhouses that are capable of producing over 20,000 heads of fresh, locally grown produce every year. Previously, Extend-A-Family Kingston was a KCCAF participant in 2020-2021, installing its first Dunya hydroponic greenhouse unit. By utilizing hydroponic technology, the project will use 90% less water than traditional farming, eliminating the need for soil, avoiding greenhouse gas emissions from transportation and increasing climate resiliency by sustainably producing local food year-round.

The KCCAF fundraising goal for this project is $30,000. Fundraising will take place from December 2024 through March 2025 and 100 per cent of the funds raised will go to the Extend-A-Family project.

“Extend-A-Family Kingston is excited to grow this project through the KCCAF, producing food locally and sustainably to support those in need while increasing the climate resiliency of our community!” says Ian Cholmodeley, Extend-a-Family Kingston’s Program Manager of Innovation, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. “By supporting Growability, you’re not only helping to address food security and environmental goals, but also supporting an inclusive program that enriches lives and strengthens our community.”

Now in its fifth year, the KCCAF continues to support innovative local initiatives that drive climate action and foster community engagement. Thanks to the partnership with KCCU and the generosity of the Kingston community, 100% of donations will directly support the Growability project.

“We’re thrilled to work with Extend-A-Family Kingston once again on this transformative initiative,” says Julie Salter-Keane, Manager of Climate Leadership at the City of Kingston. “The Growability Hydroponic Greenhouse Project demonstrates the incredible potential for climate action projects to address environmental challenges and the positive impact it will have on our community cannot be understated.”

How to Donate:

Donations can be made at all KCCU branches, where contributions will be matched up to $5,000, online and at the Kingston City Hall Payment Centre. Tax receipts will be distributed for donations of $20+ and the City will match up public donations to $15,000.

Join us in supporting this year’s KCCAF recipient. Together, let's grow a greener Kingston!

About the Kingston Community Climate Action Fund

The Kingston Community Climate Action Fund was established to promote and financially support impactful local projects that address climate change. By raising awareness and providing funding, the program encourages community members to take part in meaningful climate action. Each year, a local charity is selected to lead a community-supported initiative aimed at advancing sustainability goals. Learn more about the KCCAF at CityofKingston.ca/KCCAF.