By Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye
Imagine having cancer and trying to pay the bills involved with therapy, travel, and meals. Imagine receiving a cheque from a non-profit organization, which you did not know existed, to help you pay for these bills.
This is what happened to Bruce Thompson, a resident of Ponoka for 12 years. Thompson was diagnosed with prostate cancer 15 years ago in Peace River. He sold his farm and moved to Ponoka to be closer to the larger city centres for his treatment. Thompson’s cancer has grown to bone cancer and now the goal is to bring it into remission and to manage the pain.
He was surprised one day to open an envelope with a cheque in his name. Thompson explained a non-profit organization called Haying in the ’30s, based in Mallaig, had received his name as someone who needed financial help.
Haying in the ’30s was founded in 1999 by Edgar Corbiere. His original idea was to plan a weekend event using antique farm equipment, reliving the past. Corbiere decided since they were running the event they should have it benefit someone in need. Since then they have helped more than two thousand people with different types of cancer.
Corbiere explained the organization has a board of directors that receives submissions with the type of cancer a patient has, a doctor’s explanation of the issues, and if the person has had aid before. The board tries to help who they can, but all of the money donated goes directly to helping people with cancer.
Each long weekend in August, Haying in the ’30s hosts games, events, and farming events for the whole family. They receive donations and sponsorship throughout the year and during the weekend. Corbiere said they have more than 50 volunteers to help make the event a success.
Thompson said the money is being put to good use, it is paying for his fuel and meals when he travels to Edmonton for his chemotherapy treatments.
For more information on Haying in the ’30s, visit their website: www.hayinginthe30s.org