Kirk Van Will, Ian Grant, Diane and Al Bergsma, and Matt Fletcher (Image courtesy of Maizex Seeds)Kirk Van Will, Ian Grant, Diane and Al Bergsma, and Matt Fletcher (Image courtesy of Maizex Seeds)
Chatham

Three Oaks Respite Cabin receives donation from local farmer

A pair of local community groups will get a financial boost thanks to a Wallaceburg farmer.

On Monday, Ian Grant was announced as one of the winners of the Hometown Roots Family Contest from Maizex Seeds and Lallemand Plant Care.

The contest gives the winners the opportunity to donate $5,000 each to the organization or groups of their choosing.

Grant chose to split his prize evenly between the Three Oaks Respite Cabin in Florence and projects with the Faith Baptist Church in Wallaceburg.

Three Oaks 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.

The quiet cabin in the woods focuses on supporting locals in the agricultural and first responder communities who are struggling with their mental health.

Guests can book a time slot at the cabin through the website, similarly to booking a rental property on Airbnb. Once there, individuals can relax and reflect and have access to mental health supports.

The second winner of the contest is the DeBlieck family from Lynden. They selected the Rehoboth Christian School in Copetown to receive their full $5,000 prize.

-with files from Melanie Irwin

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