Brandi and Jackson Bassett created Oakland Giving Garden, selling greenhouse grown vegetable plants at their home in Oakland as a fundraiser.
By Brenda Moser
I recently had the opportunity to sit and chat with an awesome mother-son team, Brandi and Jackson Bassett, with a shared mission in Oakland.
In 2023 Jackson decided he wanted to raise funds for his school, Oakland Scotland School, so he and mom knew they had to come up with a plan. It didn’t take long for their plan to ‘grow’.
The Bassetts started their ‘plan’ in late 2022 and seedlings were planted in Spring 2023. Their first donations, $1,000 each, were given the summer of 2023 to Oakland-Scotland Public School playground fundraiser and the Burford Skate Park, also $1,000.
From May 24 to July 1 they sold greenhouse grown vegetable plants at their home in Oakland and at the local store. Their business venture, Oakland Giving Garden, proved successful that first year and was once again continued in 2024 with $1,000 donated to The South Coast Caring for Cancer group for their Campfire Circle camper bags. As well, $1,200 was used for treats, toys and food split between Sato Saved Dog Rescue and the Cambridge and District Humane Society.
The Rescue offers foster homes and rehabilitation, run out of Brantford, and their fundraising efforts help to alleviate some of the costs involved in fostering. Brandi said, “We foster as well and our pets are adopted from there. We have volunteer foster home - tons of them - but we are always looking for more.”
To help with fundraising they organized a very successful event, held at Oakland Scotland Community Church, offering pics with pets and Santa.
“We had a lot of fun! My hubby, Brad, was involved as the Grinch and Santa. With the picture sessions we were able to raise $635 for Sato Saved Rescue.”
Pictures posted on Facebook were amazing and created some great memories for pet owners! If you would like to donate to Sato you can do so at satosavedrescue.wixsite.com/satosaved or their Facebook page Sato Saved End of the Line Dog Rescue and Rehabilitation.
With that successful fundraiser under their belts, it’s time to plan and organize their Spring 2025 vegetable and perennial sales. They have not yet decided who their charities will be this year but have a few in mind and will narrow it down in the Spring. You can follow them on their social media to see who they choose!
It’s clear that the Bassett family is dedicated to helping those in the community here and those in need wherever the need arises. Another of their pet projects is Operation Christmas Child Shoe Boxes. This year they had enough to fill 14 boxes. The boxes included toys, soaps, toothbrushes, socks, ‘undies’, games, sports balls… to name a few things. Donations for this cause are also always appreciated.
When Hurricane Helene hit in the United States, they soon went into action to do what they could to help. Through Samaritan Purse, she ventured off to help with Hurricane Helene clean-up. Brandi and a good friend collected coats and school supplies locally as well as toys and hygiene products. With donations in hand, they headed to Florida to do their part after the state faced major devastation from tropical storm Sara. They loaded their Prius with coats and school supplies and Brandi and her friend made the 14-hour drive. They absorbed the cost of the trip and they were appreciative of donations made to help them cover the cost of fuel. Such great community support!
Right now, the Bassett family is taking a break from their fundraising and are looking to decide which two charities they would like to help this year with their plant sales. At present they have a list of five and will be making a decision soon. You can follow them on Facebook and Instagram under Oakland Giving Gardens as well as their email address at theogg2023@gmail.com to see who they choose.
When you’re planning your summer garden be sure to check them out for all of your gardening needs. Beautiful blooms and fresh veggies for a great cause… what could be better?
While Jackson is very involved with their venture, he still has time to enjoy golf, baseball, ball hockey and piano and he likes to ‘hang’ with his two older brothers and just be an active boy – with a desire to help others. Great job!
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