News Grower Profiles
Rainbow Greenhouses’ COVID campaign wins smiles and recognition

Rainbow Greenhouses was one of the recipients of the Community Hero Awards in Chilliwack, B.C. this year.

The ornamental producer was recognized for their Smile Campaign carried out in April, at a time when COVID-19 cases continued to climb. Seeing a decline in sales, staff at Rainbow Greenhouses put the unsold plant material to use and delivered flowers to their community, with the goal of brightening their days during less-than-sunny times.

“We were able to bring smiles to healthcare workers, brides, lonely seniors, [government] offices, store front workers, neighbours, friends, community residents and workers who were all isolated,” says Rachel Doucette, communications manager at Rainbow Greenhouses.

Organized by co-owner Wilma Vander Waal and Doucette, the initiative brought together members of their staff, as well as others in the community, in preparing and delivering the various ornamental arrangements. Reaching neighbouring areas in Abbotsford, Agassiz and Harrison as well, Rainbow Greenhouses donated thousands of plants and cut flowers to their surrounding communities.

Witnessing the remarkable deeds carried out by those in his riding of Chilliwack-Hope, member of parliament Mark Strahl created the Community Hero awards to recognize individuals, businesses and not-for-profits who went above and beyond to help others.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has presented new challenges for many people in my riding of Chilliwack-Hope this year,” he says. “Through their Smile Campaign, Rainbow Greenhouses brought joy and hope to many people who were feeling exhausted, isolated and depressed due to the pandemic… [They] went above and beyond to generously help and care for people when they needed it most.”

Mark Strahl, MP for Chilliwack-Hope

Other recipients of the awards included those who worked tirelessly on the frontlines, helped the homeless, delivered groceries, assisted seniors and displayed other acts of kindness. “I’m proud to share that I presented Community Hero awards to over a hundred incredibly worthy recipients,” says Strahl.