Supporting Youth Through Hands-On Skills Training

Red Maple Farm School — in partnership with Small Scale Farms

Our Mission

The Red Maple Farm School provides hands-on, real-world training that prepares youth for life and meaningful work. Students learn carpentry, mechanics, farming, cooking, problem-solving, teamwork, and practical skills through real projects here on the farm.

This winter, students are transforming an unused upstairs storage room into a functional classroom.
In spring, they’ll begin building:

• Small training cabins

• A fully functioning outdoor kitchen

• Outdoor learning spaces for farm & life skills

Every project teaches measurement, tool safety, teamwork, and critical thinking in a true “learn-by-doing” environment.

Why We Need Partners

Because we operate as a social enterprise (not a charity), we rely on strong community support to keep our programs accessible to youth across Niagara.

We’re looking for local businesses who can donate imperfect, surplus, or returned building materials and basic tools that are perfect for training.

Materials & Tools We Can Use

Building Materials

• Imperfect or miscut lumber

• Plywood with minor defects

• Trim, strapping, and offcuts

• Pallets or packaging wood

• Surplus or returned materials

Tools for Training

• Beginner-friendly hand tools (hammers, squares, levels, measuring tapes)

• Basic power tools (drills, sanders, compact saws)

• Gardening & farm tools (shovels, rakes, wheelbarrows, hoes, pruning shears)

• Manual labour tools (post-hole diggers, tampers, carts, cultivators, sickles, scythes)

• Heavy-equipment rental for supervised use (minis, skid steers, tillers, rototillers)

What We Offer Sponsors

With Small Scale Farms’ online presence and our growing community network, we reach over 50,000 people across Niagara — families, tradespeople, local businesses, and community partners.

Supporters receive:

• Public thank-you posts

• Featured partner recognition

• Photos of youth using donated materials

• Optional on-site signage

• Acknowledgement as a Community Training Partner

• Pick-up available for your donated materials

Optional Partnership Levels

(These are completely optional — material donations alone are incredibly valuable.)

Community Supporter

$250 – $500

• Supports tools, safety gear, and consumables

• Helps fund weekly skills sessions

• Listed as a Community Supporter

• Public thank-you post (50,000+ reach)

• Business photo included in project updates

Cabin Sponsor

$2,000 – $2,500

• Supports construction of one of our small cabins

• Helps purchase specialty materials

• Logo/name added to Cabin Sponsor Plaque

• Featured sponsor announcement

• Invitation to visit the farm & meet the youth

• Recognition on project updates

Skills Development Program Partner

$5,000+

• Supports an entire season of the program

• Helps hire instructors and expand capacity

• Recognition as a Lead Program Partner

• Feature story highlighting your impact

• Included in youth build projects

• Access to Red Maple events

• Option for staff volunteer or corporate build days

• Co-create a “Powered by Your Company” initiative

Get Involved

If you’d like to support local youth through material donations or partnership, we’d love to connect.

Contact: Jake Rae
Skills Coordinator, Red Maple Farm School
📧 farmschool@smallscalefarms.ca
🌐 smallscalefarms.ca/pages/farm-school