A group of like-minded individuals from Lennoxville, the members of Tierra del Fuego have created a community-based organization to encourage others to get involved in their community. Their aim is to value and make use of their skills, both to help themselves and others in the wider community. According to nominator Eric Manolson, “their consistency and ability to renew their purpose in the face of unexpected challenges has always amazed and impressed me.”
The members chose the name “Tierra del Fuego” to represent them, because they feel the name – meaning “land of fire” – emphasizes the openness and diversity of the group, without directly aligning them with either the Anglophone or Francophone communities. In September 2008, group members pooled their financial resources to rent a store-front space on Queen Street in Lennoxville and launched the community resource centre.
Since that time, Tierra del Fuego has organized numerous open and public events: discussions on alternative economics (such as bartering, trading/sharing networks, salvaging and free stores and markets), basic natural health workshops, learning groups and skill shares, wilderness and survival skills training, and much more. According to nominator Barbara Lavoie, “the members of Tierra del Fuego Community Resource Centre truly ‘walk the talk’ in every way possible, sharing and caring for others, despite their limited financial resources.”
Photo 1: Members of Tierra del Fuego (Alanna, Erik, Joanna and Leo) accept their 2009 Young Townships Leader Award.
Photo Credit: Barbara Lavoie
Photo 2: The members of Tierra del Fuego regularly host community meals in Lennoxville, cooking delicious and nutritious organic fare for all to enjoy.
Photo Courtesy of: Alanna Fernandes
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