Austin’s Pumpkin Patch supports cancer centre

Olivia Hazen at Austin's Pumpkin Patch.

Brenda Moser

Advocate Correspondent

The Juravinski Cancer Centre Pumpkin Patch, now called Austin’s Pumpkin Patch, is back and as busy as ever.

Now in its third year at their new location, 2587 Cockshutt Road, it is hosted by the Sloot and Smith families at Austin’s Pick-Your-Own and Farm Market.

You can stop by and get all of your outdoor decorating needs. They offer pumpkins, gourds, corn stalks, straw bales, porch packages, scarecrows and flowers… all for a set donation. All items are donated by generous local farmers and all proceeds from sales will go directly to the Juravinski Cancer Centre for the purchase of much needed cancer treatment equipment.

Last year’s proceeds were used to purchase four Vital Sign Monitors. This year’s proceeds are going towards Radiation Immobilization Boards with the hopes of raising enough money to purchase two boards.

If you would like to purchase your decorating needs at Austin’s and support this great cause, The Pumpkin Patch is open every day from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. until Friday, Oct. 31st. Please stop by and support this great cause.

Once you have purchased your outdoor decorating needs be sure to stop in at Austin’s Farm Market. There you can purchase not only fresh fruits and veggies but homemade goodies as well. Once again, this year local quilter Mary Weber has so generously donated another handmade, quilted masterpiece. This stunning quilt will fit well in any home. Be sure to get your tickets.

Each Saturday afternoon the Pumpkin Patch, northeast of Waterford, will have a different cancer survivor and when I stopped in, I was fortunate to meet 18-year-old Olivia Hazen, herself a survivor.

“I have always loved fundraisers, so I was thrilled when they asked me to help here,” said Hazen.

Having spent more than her fair share of time at Juravinski, she has nothing but praise for the staff there.

“They are very welcoming and you get to know the staff there very well.”

Olivia has aspirations of one day becoming a Child Life Worker.

“I love working with kids. Through my treatments I have developed a passion for working with those special kids.”