What began as a pastime between father and daughter is now a fundraiser to honour the memory of the father.
Gail Whitney, co-owner of Puddleford Tree Farm in Kent Bridge, noticed in the few years leading up to 2020 that her father’s memory was fading and that basic skills were difficult for him to perform.
Therefore, in the early days of 2020, together they began to paint the backgrounds of wooden discs.
“It gave him a feeling of accomplishment and purpose. It brightened his day,” Whitney said in a media release.
These wooden discs became holiday ornaments that not only brought the festive spirit to the homes of Chatham-Kent residents, but also to the hearts of the Alzheimer Society’s clients.
Last holiday season, Gail decided to sell the ornaments with a portion of the proceeds being donated to the Alzheimer Society of Chatham-Kent (ASCK).
She did this in memory of her father who passed away last year.
“My Dad was a very quiet, gentle man. He worked hard and knew how to fix everything,” Whitney said.
His legacy lives on as Puddleford Tree Farm is selling another batch of holiday ornaments this year in support of ASCK.
ASCK’s Day Program clients had the opportunity to assist in bringing the ornaments to life as they painted the background of 200 wooden discs.
They certainly felt that same sense of accomplishment and purpose as Gail’s father did.
You can purchase your very own holiday ornament when Puddleford Tree Farm opens their doors on Saturday, November 20.
They will be sold for $5 each.
ASCK encourages everyone to support this wonderful local business by purchasing a tree as well.
ASCK would like to thank Puddleford Tree Farm for their incredible support and for recognizing that everyone can still serve a purpose no matter what journey they may be on.
For more information, please contact Puddleford Tree Farm at 519-365-0755 or at puddlefordtreefarm@gmail.com.
