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Host rating
85 %
Reply rate
100.0 %
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Description
We are new to workaway
We require regular assistance of up to 4-5 hours daily throughout week the rest of the time is your own . Time commit may vary depending on time of year and if weather conditions permit /available labour/ project time lines/etc. Your time off is what ever days you desire we encourage our guest to explore the island.
We are ultimately trying to achieve educational models to demonstrate living completely off grid living with low cost ,zero carbon imprint housing and self sustaining food production that is self watering/ collection systems. If this sounds like a situation that you would be interested in ,, share your thoughts, skills, designs ideas or learn new ones while here. .
We are presently looking for lots of casual helpers interested in learning about canadian lifestyle
specific talents we woul dlike to find
welders that can weld light metal 18-22 gauge vehicle thickness
Biolermakers that can think out side the box for completion of solar water interior heating system with wood stove attached
electrician or engineer able to read schematics
starting in MAy -October we are looking for 1-7 people to help out on farm for landscaping , planting ,gardening , painting and help with building renovations and daily routine .
*About Us*
My wife is a retired paramedic working on gulf island of Salt spring /formerly operated first west coast kayak rental service, 12 years highballing tree planter, firefighter , avid gardener , with wealth of knowledge on local plants and their uses an generally. A very kind loving person that yells at her husband a lot but adores him .
My wife is in need of helping hand as she suffers daily from extreme form of arthritis. Shadowing her as she feeds the chickens or tends the gardens is a wise choice. Presently she works part time for the Salvation Army assisting the homeless while I take care of the farm trying to reduce our carbon imprint and produce enough food to feed ourselves and the wildlife around us .
Alx a jack of all trades, mechanic, carpenter, welder, contractor, marine mechanic, marketing strategist, salesman, mad scientist / horticulturist that is developing our farm with assistance of others. That we love to show beautiful Vancouver island .
We are ultimately trying to achieve living completely off grid living with minimum cost, zero carbon imprint housing and self sustaining food production that is self watering/ collection systems with minimal labour. 70% achieved . We have solar electric panels and have converted house to in floor solar heating .
We fill our environment with energetic enthusiastic individuals with desire to make a difference, effect change to our planet and desire to learn new things.
If this sounds like a situation that you would be interested in, share your thoughts, skills, designs ideas or learn new ones while here. If you have a special interest or talents please let us know ahead of time.Types of help and learning opportunities
Charity Work
Art Projects
Language practice
Help with Eco Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Farmstay help
Help around the house
General Maintenance
Help with Computers/ Internet
UN sustainablity goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
On our farm you will get a authentic Canadian culture
we do everything ourself to be completely selfsustainable,
we treat each of our guest like a family member and try to showcase our beautiful province showing the cheapest most amazingly beautiful locations to visit on the island .
catherine is aamazing cooking often baking items fresh daily and always curious about new recipes .
what ever the adventure Alx has picked for the day he will probably take you along whether on the farm or off .we have avariety of project that change daily and weekly so ther eis lots to learn during your stay
we are non smokers but 420 friendly
we also grow garlic ,lavender, and all or our own food on farmHelp
We have a 10 acre farm and fill it with caring individuals with a vision for the future of self sustainability /reducing our carbon imprint and learning new skills while sharing our cultures.
We believe "The quality of ones life can be measured in the good we do for others" . WE wish to make a difference in the world we live in. We encourage others to follow similar path to being concerned about the environment of our planet as a whole and not afraid to stand up for your beliefs while remaining open to opinions from others. We are open minded non judgmental individuals , open to singles and couples of all sex and sexual orientation from all nations .
We are social ./environmental,/ political/ activist an have no plans on changing our attempts to educate on the injustices in our world.
We are in need of assistance, with a variety of projects on 10 acres to complete farm infrastructure to be self sustainable .
We are NOT a commercial enterprise. We are trying to lower our carbon imprint and to be completely off the grid by growing organic food and self supporting energy system . covering up to 80% of our needs All material used in our projects are recycled often created by hand from raw materials. we presently ar elooking for experienced welder and metal fabricator for two canadian heritage restoration projects on our farm .
*Smoking*
We are a non cigarette smoking facilities this includes vaping but we are .420 friendly.
*Meals*
Our meals are healthy portioned well balanced home cooked meals provided daily with preserves and year round vegetable garden, fresh chicken /duck eggs, while you are woofing with us. we are not set up for vegan diets . Omnivores only
*Things to do in the area*
We encourage our guest to travel the island while visiting and we treat all like family members sharing meals ,and recreational time.
We have bicycles for you to use during your stay and local public transit is a 5 minute walk from our farm We are located 10 minutes from Duncan, Crofton, Chemainus, with canoe/kayaking within walking distance. Seasonal waterfalls a short hike up mountain side of property. Three rivers are within hiking or bicycling distance of farm.
If you require transportation to other towns to view the beauty of British Columbia we will often drive you to preferred location for cost of fuel to get there .
*Length of Stay*
Guest stay various lengths of time often 3 -4 weeks to 3-4 months some longer if involved in special projects or just enjoying each others company. We ask that you stay a minimum of 3 weeks if you have special skill to help on farm requiring little to no training if you lack experience an come to here to gain some then you ask you stay longer so we can all get maximum benefit from time on farm
Some that have stayed here for several months while exploring the rest of the island and each year we get several guest that return to farm each year after becoming familiar with life here and part of our extended family .
*Days Off*
All persons must take days off now regardless of if they they want to or not" no exceptions. You may also take multile days if requested, just let us know in advance then take as many as you like. If you decide to leave to tour the area on your days off, we do not supply meals while you are off the farm .We personally enjoy lifestyle an do not watch a clock waiting for day off. If we need a break or change .We take it, Life is to short be doing something you do not enjoy .
**Projects**.
- Our core goal is to be self sustaining as we support local community food services for the less fortunate in need of nourishing year round fresh garden supplements .
- Artist- ,design and create willow labyrinth on existing grove on property
- paint several recycled empty fiberglass water filter cans 4 feet high as minions
-Mechanics -many vehicles in need of minor repairs or restoring on property I have fully equipped shop to do repairs in but am not physically able to complete. Most cars are simple old classic vehicles in need of restoring or repair, aspiring mechanics I can show how to do this ,
-Engineers - got an idea you wish to develop , to make a off grid micro hydro systems using a pelton wheel we have material an stream flowing at 400 gpm in winter months
- installing existing solar water heaters ,
- alternative building projects: cordwood stackwall stonework .
- We have materials and component here for many projects just not enough hours in a day to do it all .
*Hours per day*
We require regular assistance daily. Time commitment may vary depending on time of year and if weather conditions permit /available labour / project timelines/etc. This is a lifestyle not a job at Mcdonalds restaurant .
Languages
Languages spoken
English: FluentThis host offers a language exchange
This host has indicated that they are interested in sharing their own language or learning a new language.
You can contact them directly for more information.Accommodation
*Accommodation*
Our facilities have variety of option depending on When you arrive. How long you stay . How many people are here during your stay .
We have Co-ed or Private guest rooms or you can camp under the stars on our mountainside ,
Stay in one of our guest houses or caravans an campers .
We also have separate housing facilities to isolate for two weeks upon your arrival if under quarantine . We can accommodate up to 10 people at one time . We suggest you bring a sleeping bag but we also have lots of bedding to keep you warm at night . Bathroom facilities are shared by all sexes.
Facilities include, wireless internet, hiking trails, fresh clean water for drinking, excellent food with lots of baked goods daily.
The environment is pleasant with lots of wildlife in abundance and fresh mountain air, year round vegetable garden, fresh chicken eggs, healthy well balanced meals provided .We do not do junk food nor provides junk snacks. We have guest room, camping area, on site camper trailers, on our 10 acre estate/farm in Westholme located between Chemainus Crofton and Duncan. access to all property. WE are open minded no judgmental individuals , open to singles and couples of all sex ’s and sexual orientation .We are caring individuals with land and a vision for the future , In need of assistance, with variety of projects to complete estate infrastructure to be completely off the grid, organic self supporting system .
We are a non smoking facilities but if you need to ,you may smoke on grounds away from buildings .420 friendly.
Facilities include , wireless internet ,big screen TV ,hiking trails, hot tub, fresh clean water for drinking .10 minutes from Duncan , bus is 2km away ,
we have several rooms in main house , seperate guest houses , caravans and have even have individuals tent camping if we have a over flow in summer months . Accommadations vary depending on when you come ,how long you stay and how many others are here when you arriveWhat else ...
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We are presently looking for welders that can mig or tig or braze weld 18-22 gauge metal .
we also are loooing fo rindividuals with experience in electrical or electronics to help complete a intricate haeting system controls and interpet schematics for farm vehicles and classics
Chores are diverse so you should be physically fit able to work on your own with little instruction ,
we are good teachers, limited by our personal physical and time limitations to make this a more comfortable functional off grid environmentally friendly farming space for all.
activities in area are all within walking distance or public transportA little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
we have wifi
Space for parking camper vans
parking on farm , / we have many options for housing including bedroooms in main house or guest house /trailers/ outdoor camping
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
Hours expected
seasonally varied, max 25 hrs a week
Feedback (1)
Lots of interesting and varied work. Alx has so many tools you could spend months and not get through learning them all. My main projects involved firewood, capturing a huge downed trunk and turning it into cuts of stacked firewood infront of the fire, which was incredibly… read more
Feedback
Lots of interesting and varied work. Alx has so many tools you could spend months and not get through learning them all. My main projects involved firewood, capturing a huge downed trunk and turning it into cuts of stacked firewood infront of the fire, which was incredibly… read more