'Sunflowers under the sun': Local farmers use sunflower patch for charitable cause
A couple in Thamesford, Ont. are opening up their farm to sunflower lovers in an effort to raise money for a cause close to their heart.
Sunflowers are in bloom at Alex and Florence Steele’s farm on 19th Line, where they’ve spent the last 50 years.
“We’ve grown just about every crop under the sun and now sunflowers under the sun,” chuckled Alex Steele, who owns the farm with his wife, Florence.
“Anyway, we are going to give this a go,” he said. “We’re happy the way they turned out.”
Now they’re inviting people to stop by and see the sunflowers for themselves, while trying to fundraise for people struggling with food insecurity.
“We hear about other countries and they only have a small patch of food and this is how they feed their families,” added Florence. “I just thought, ‘Hmm…we have this. We can do something,’ and we did.”
“They’ve always been big supporters of Canadian Foodgrains Bank so this was a way that they could raise some funds for our organization,” said Henry Reinders, the regional representative for Canadian Foodgrains Bank.
He added, “They’re in the process now of setting things up to either have people come and pick their own sunflowers or perhaps take some pictures with the sunflowers.”
The organization and its members work to alleviate hunger in countries across the globe, Reinders explained, as the need for access to affordable food continues to increase.
“In part because of war and conflict, there’s more of that which seems to be happening, people get displaced for their homes and land and so they have to find sources of food,” he said.
The Steeles said they don’t currently have a fundraising goal, but they would appreciate anyone able to donate.
The farm will be open for visitors from Wednesday - Saturday from 8 a.m.- 7 p.m.
If successful, they’re considering making the fundraiser an annual event.
“This year we decided this is such a good area we are going to try something new, and next year it will probably be bigger and better,” Alex said.
People interested in donating can do so in person at the farm or donate on the Canadian Foodgrains Bank website.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Robert Pickton stabbed with toothbrush and broken broom handle: victim's family
The family of one of Robert Pickton's victims says the convicted serial killer suffered an incredibly violent death at the hands of another inmate.
'It feels like freedom': Why some Albertans like going nude in nature
Few people can say they accidentally purchased a nude beach — but Shelley can. When she saw a piece of land she could fondly remember camping on was up for sale, she inquired about it and ended up purchasing it. She soon found that there were already inhabitants on it.
Father who killed one-year-old son with axe may be allowed to travel in southwestern Ontario
A Mennonite father who killed his one-year-old son with an axe may be allowed to travel to parts of southern Ontario in the coming months
Daughter of Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt files court petition to remove father's last name
A daughter of actors Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt filed paperwork to legally remove "Pitt" from her name on the day she turned 18.
Jennifer Lopez cancels summer tour: 'I am completely heartsick and devastated'
Jennifer Lopez has cancelled her 2024 North American tour, representatives for Live Nation confirmed to The Associated Press.
Is intermittent fasting better than counting calories? Maybe not, but you might stick with it
As weight-loss plans go, it's easy to see the allure of intermittent fasting: Eat what you want, but only during certain windows of time — often just eight hours a day.
Tick season is underway in Ontario. Here's how to protect yourself
Tick season is well underway and there is a new species of ticks causing new diseases, which is why you need to take steps to protect yourself.
Republicans join Trump's attacks on justice system and campaign of vengeance after guilty verdict
Embracing Donald Trump's strategy of blaming the U.S. justice system after his historic guilty verdict, Republicans in Congress are fervently enlisting themselves in his campaign of vengeance and political retribution in the GOP bid to reclaim the White House.
Two celestial shows will be visible across Canada this week
Canada is getting not one – but two – celestial shows over the next few days. Keep an eye on the sky for the northern lights and parade of planets!