Brenda Moser
Even though times may be tough for a lot of people, they answer the call and come together when the need is there.
Norfolk resident Jessica Durka has undergone some tough times in the last few years and knew she wanted to do something for others experiencing the same trials she was. A cancer survivor with a positive attitude, Durka started a fundraiser at her dad’s former farm in Waterford a few years ago. With Waterford known for its Pumpkinfest each October, it seemed a natural choice to offer people a local spot where they could get all of their outdoor decorations and pumpkins right outside their back doors.
When the call went out that first year for donations local farmers were quick to step forward to help and the donations came pouring in. Over the years it has grown and more and more people have stepped forward to help out. While Durka has had to step away from all of the work of organizing, she was fortunate to have good friends, family and farm contacts to keep the Pumpkin Patch going… and growing. While last year was just a ‘pop up’ event it was a success none the less. This year the Pumpkin Patch was back full force and the support was overwhelming.
Kim Smith, friend of Durka, has been there since the first Pumpkin Patch as Durka’s ‘right hand lady’ and has had cancer affect her family personally as well. With an uncle who is in remission, Smith knew the emotions and feelings Durka and her family were going through and has been there to help Durka since day one.
“I was like Durka’s labour when she started, out there picking the pumpkins and the corn,” adds Smith. “I took what Jessica had started and I am lucky to have had a lot of help from a lot of people”.
With last year just a ‘pop up’ event, this year it was back to full force at Austin’s Farm, Cockshutt Road, and the volunteers and donors did not disappoint. They had an awesome team – Andrew and Brooke Sloot, Mark and Maureen Austin, Kim herself and her hubby Reg and, of course, Jessica and her husband. Their pumpkin farmers were R&A Kukielka Farms, Peacock Farms, Scotlynn Growers Sweet-Pac, Sloot Family Farms and VanPatten Family Farms. Now that’s a lot of pumpkins!!
Straw and corn were donated by Petheram Farms Ltd. and Pay Dirt Inc. while flowers were supplied by Andrew’s Greenhouse and Creekside Growers. While the corn and related outdoor decorations were generously donated, they also had a number of local artisans contribute as well. Young cancer survivor Olivia Hazen was busy making knitted pumpkins and they were a huge success! Artist Harrison Smith donated a piece of his art, Mary Weber once again donated a quilt and Frank and Pearl Veenema contributed a wooden Advent Calendar - all for a fundraising draw.
Smith said they appreciate all of the business donors who supported them. They include Elgin-Norfolk Magnetsigns, The Green House Makers Market, Titanium Customs and Toyotetsu Canada Inc. Kudos to each and every one who stepped forward to support such a great cause.
“We definitely have to thank our many volunteers and the local and regional community for their continued support – they make it happen!”
This year monies raised - over $21,700 - was earmarked for an Apheresis Machine and the purchase was already approved. This machine supports patients in the Hematology Unit at Juravinski Cancer Centre. It is used for patients with cancers of the blood including leukemia and lymphoma. They pay a very critical role in stem cell transplantation and six of their eight current machines have either reached their expected lifetime or are about to surpass it. It is critical that they have these machines running at full capacity as Juravinski is one of only three centres in the province to have them. Because each Apheresis Machine comes with a price tag of $125,000 the money raised here goes toward helping with a portion of those costs. With the Pumpkin Patch proceeds, along with partners across the community, they have been able to initiate the purchase of the first two machines… and are well on their way to funding the remaining four.
The continued support of such events as The Pumpkin Patch is crucial in achieving their goals and the overwhelming response to this fundraiser has made a significant difference in reaching these goals. Fundraisers such as this would not be possible without the support of the community, its farmers, donors and volunteers who continue to make the Pumpkin Patch the success that it is. Kudos to all!
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