A popular corn maze in Thamesville is grateful to a special charity with this year’s design.
The iMaze features Ronald McDonald House Charities, complete with the organization’s logo, as well as its mission statement: Keeping families close.
Ronald McDonald House, which has locations in London and Windsor, helps keep families together while their sick child is treated at a nearby hospital.
It has operated for nearly four decades in Southwestern Ontario, providing numerous amenities and services.
The Dieleman family has been running the maze since 2001. In a recent Facebook post, they said they too “strive to keep families close; by providing a space to enjoy the outdoors and learn about agriculture.”
Ingrid Dieleman said the idea for this year’s design was a suggestion from a visitor.
“We thought we would oblige,” she said. “It’s amazing, now that we’ve talked about it with people, how many people have said to us that they have used the Ronald McDonald houses.
“It’s pretty cool to have that available to people when they’re in need.”
Opening day for the iMaze is Saturday, Sept. 2.
In previous years, maze designs celebrated Canada coast to coast, the Children’s Treatment Center of Chatham-Kent, Terry Fox Run, the DeLorean car from the movie Back to the Future and celebrities such as Chris Hadfield and Rick Mercer.
Dieleman said there always has been good interest from the community.
“We’re always busy,” she said. “Lots of people come and play, and we think that’s awesome.”
She said the family is pleased with the support they’ve seen during the years, adding they enjoy making the different corn maze designs.
The maze is located at 12768 Longwoods Rd. For more information, visit imaze.caor search for iMaze, The Home of The Thamesville Maize on Facebook or call 519-692-5451.
For details about Ronald McDonald House in Southwestern Ontario, visit https://www.rmhc-swo.ca/