A $25,000 donation towards a local fundraiser for Ukraine has exceeded the organizers’ goal, though sunflower seeds are still available to purchase across Chatham-Kent to support the cause.
The Rotary Club of Chatham Sunrise launched the sunflower seed fundraiser in April with a plan to raise $10,000 by distributing 2,000 packages of seeds for a minimum donation of $5 each.
However, the club received a $25,000 donation from the Omer, Esther & Andre Cartier Fund through Gift Funds Canada. Andre Cartier, a Mitchell’s Bay resident, made the donation in mid-May.
Ken Bechard, president of the Chatham Sunrise club, said the community has rallied behind the campaign.
In early May, Lance and Carol Anne Babcock, owners of Babcock Jewelers, made an unannounced visit to the Chatham Sunrise meeting and presented a $2,000 check. Lance Babcock is a former member of the Chatham Sunrise club.
Paul Roy, the chair of the project, said at least $5,000 has been raised through donations for the sunflower seeds. He said he’s noticed the boxes of seeds at each location are about half empty.
“The message is: continue to plant your sunflowers,” Roy said. “There is still time. It’s nice and warm. There is moisture. So, get them in the ground.”
Roy previously said he wanted to see sunflowers planted in front gardens or near rural mailboxes as a sign of the community’s support.
The club will meet in a few weeks to calculate the official amount raised, he said.
Once the fundraiser concludes, the donations will be sent to Rotary International, which will distribute them to Ukrainian clubs working on humanitarian efforts as Russia’s invasion of the country continues.
The seeds can be found at McKellar’s Flowers, Dresden; Maizex Seeds, Tilbury; Home Hardware, Keil Dr., Chatham; Nissan of Chatham, Chatham; Pedro’s Barber Shop, Chatham; Schinkels’ Gourmet Meats, Chatham; Boston Pizza, Chatham; Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority, Chatham; Turns and Tales Book Store, Chatham; YMCA, Chatham; Pizazz Florals and Balloons, Chatham; Reflections Hair Studio, Chatham; CK Municipal Building, Administration with proof of vaccination; Sun Life Financial, Chatham; Bread Court Market; Dave’s Fix It Shop, Chatham; Syd Kemsley Florists, Chatham; Subway in Blenheim; Canada Business Services, Chatham; Fringe Hair Salon, Chatham; Loads of Love, Chatham; and Bluewater Pools, Chatham.
People can also contact a Chatham Sunrise member or email [email protected] to make a donation.