A respite cabin in Florence, dedicated to supporting area farmers and first responders, has received $25,000 in grant funding to support mental wellness programming.
Three Oaks Cabin was announced on Tuesday as this year's Growing Homes with BASF Agricultural Solutions Ontario winner. The organization received just under 10,000 votes.
"We're thrilled with the generosity and also the outcome of course," said Three Oaks Cabin Board Chair Diane Bergsma. "But we're just very grateful to BASF for so generously investing in the rural communities across our country."
Bergsma said while she's pleased with the community outpouring for Three Oaks Cabin, she's also encouraged by the growing support for farmers and first responders.
"I think it's great the way people are recognizing and willing to take part in bringing about change and more support for these people who give us so much," she said.
The log cabin was built by the Bergsma family in memory of their son Dalles, a farmer and member of the Dawn Euphemia Fire Department, who died by suicide in 2020.
Bergsma said the funding will directly support mental wellness programming but the board still has to discuss how so exactly.
The first official guests were expected at the cabin in May. However, Bergsma said they've had a few "surprise guests" so far and it has gone very well.
Three Oaks Cabin is located at 6522 Bilton Line, between Bentpath Line and Lambton Line.
-With files from Melanie Irwin
