When Raymond Ngarboui arrived in Winnipeg from Chad in 2005, he brought with him more than hope for a better future – he brought a vision for community transformation. Over the past two decades, he has become a powerful force for connection, food security, and cultural resilience in Manitoba’s capital.
On This Page, You Will Find:
- The inspiring journey of Raymond Ngarboui
- How the Rainbow Community Garden grew to support 389 families
- The impact of community gardening on food security and connection
- Collaborations with local institutions and markets
- Ongoing support for food distribution during the pandemic
Growing Roots in Winnipeg
Raymond arrived in Canada as a newcomer in 2005. Today, he is known across Winnipeg as a devoted community leader. As a project coordinator with the Community Education Development Association (CEDA), and through his own initiatives, he has focused on helping families access food, form social connections, and thrive together.
His most well-known initiative began in 2008 with just 16 families – the Rainbow Community Garden. What started as a few small plots of land has grown into a five-acre community hub supporting 389 families, with another 100 families on a waiting list.
More Than Just a Garden
The Rainbow Community Garden does more than produce fresh vegetables. It offers a place for families to heal, reconnect with nature, and forge friendships. According to Raymond, the space has become “not only a community hub, but a healing space.”
Elaine Dukuly, director of pathways programs at CEDA, explains the garden’s broader impact: some participants grow food for their families, while others sell part of their harvests to earn income. It’s a place where people can find both stability and purpose.
Garden member Amber Dahal puts it simply: “It is like a family. Because of the garden, life has become easier and more positive.”
Cultural Crops and Local Markets
With backing from Knox United Church, the University of Manitoba, and CEDA, the garden has become a valuable space for cultural preservation. Families grow traditional foods that are hard to find in Canadian supermarkets, such as specific beans, peppers, and leafy greens.
Thanks to partnerships with the Winnipeg Central Global Market, many gardeners are now able to sell their produce locally. This gives them an additional income stream while allowing the broader community to access diverse, nutritious food.
Responding to Crisis: Food 4 All
Raymond’s commitment didn’t stop at gardening. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he helped launch Food 4 All, a program co-led with Knox United Church. With support from Harvest Manitoba, the program has distributed more than 350,000 pounds of food to families in need across the city.
He sees food security as a shared issue. “The need for access to fresh, affordable food isn’t limited to any one community,” Raymond says. “It’s something we all share.”
A Model of Immigrant Contribution
Raymond’s journey is one of resilience, leadership and compassion. From his early days as a newcomer to his current role as a community stalwart, he has made a lasting impact on hundreds of Winnipeg families. His story is a powerful example of how immigrants can enrich Canadian life – not only through work and taxes, but by strengthening the social fabric of their communities.
FAQ
Who is Raymond Ngarboui?
Raymond Ngarboui is a community leader originally from Chad who immigrated to Winnipeg in 2005. He is the founder of the Rainbow Community Garden and helps tackle food insecurity across the city.
What is the Rainbow Community Garden?
Founded in 2008, the Rainbow Community Garden started with 16 families and now spans 5 acres, supporting 389 families. It provides space for growing food and building community.
How does the garden support newcomers?
The garden helps immigrants grow culturally familiar crops, meet other community members, and in some cases, earn additional income by selling produce at local markets.
What is the Food 4 All program?
Food 4 All is a food distribution initiative created during the COVID-19 pandemic. It has delivered over 350,000 pounds of food to families in need in Winnipeg.
Why is this story important to Canadian immigration?
Raymond’s work shows the value of immigrant contributions beyond economics. His leadership improves lives, builds connections, and strengthens the community as a whole.
