Huron Hospice takes another green step and seeks community support

Huron Hospice purchased the 12-acre property in 2017 to open their residence, and since then the extensive grounds have provided opportunities and challenges.

Over the last decades, lawns are not exactly eco-friendly yet are hard to part with. Of the 12-acres on the property, six acres are grass and gardens, and the rest if s memorial forest.

According to Willy Van Klooster, Huron Hospice Executive Director the volunteer grounds care team have learned about invasive and native plants and has worked hard to remove invasive species, such as Buckthorn and Garlic Mustard.

“They have planted lots of native trees and pollinator plants,” said Van Klooster.

“With all their hard work and organic practices, Huron Hospice is listed as a Certified North American Monarch Waystation.”

According to Van Klooster, the volunteer team are trying to find a happy balance by naturalizing the lawn without applying fertilizer, herbicide, or water.

However, it still needs cutting.

“A team of volunteers is cutting the five acers of lawn and trails every week, which can take up to four hours,” Van Klooster added.

In 2017, when the hospice doors opened, McGavin Farm Equipment generously donated a riding mower, which has served the organization well.

However, it is now time to replace the mower, and Huron Hospice wants to use the opportunity to choose an environmentally friendly electric alternative.

After careful research, Van Klooster explains that Huron Hospice has decided to purchase an EGO 52” zero-turn electric mower from Moffatt and Powell RONA in Seaforth.

Beyond the substantial reduction to the carbon footprint, hospice residents, their families, staff and volunteers will benefit from the quieter operation, especially when spending time on the private patios.

With no oil changes, and belt of sparkplug replacements, there should be lower annual maintenance costs.

The hospice will also benefit from the five-year warranty program.

“To help a local charity reduce the purchase cost, Moffat and Powell, is pleased to choose Huron Hospice as our designated charity for 2025,” said Mikeal Court, Moffatt and Powell store manager.

“We will raise money through raffle ticket sales, barbecues, and other activities to help offset the cost of the mower.”

On Thursday, July 10 between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. Huron Hospice invites the community to an electric lawn mower demonstration event at Bender House. Moffatt and Powell RONA will be on hand.

There will be a demonstration of the new Huron Hospice lawnmower every half hour, and other electric mowers and garden tools from Moffat and Powell will be showcased.

There will also be tours of the property and inside the residence.

Van Klooster stresses that at Huron Hospice, green solutions are also sought after.

“We are proud of taking positive steps toward making this a better world, one blade of grass at a time,” Van Klooster reiterated.

“We also seek to be fiscally responsible with community donations. Franky, this purchase meets both those goals.”

From June to September, Moffatt and Powell RONA will run a fundraiser for Bender House Huron Hospice. All donations of $20 or more are entitled to a tax receipt.

As a way of thanking donors, Huron Hospice are offering the following:

• For a $100 or more donation, you can receive a fashionable upcycled tote bag handmade by one of the grounds care volunteers. Bags can be picked up during the open house or afterward while quantities last.

• For a $250 or more donation, the donor will receive a tote bag, and a $15 gift certificate from Moffat and Powell RONA

For more information about the event, please call Van Klooster at 519-525-6856.

Financial contributions to this green initiative online at www.huronhospice.ca/lawnmower from June to September.