by Mary Golem, For the Post
AYTON – The Ontario co-ordinators for the Canadian Foodgrains Bank (CFGB) say “the resourcefulness and ingenuity of their supporters never ceases to amaze us.”
“What a great day!” David and Kathyrn Mayberry said, as they stepped back to evaluate the success of a unique fundraising effort near Ayton one Saturday in August, 2006.
The first-ever public showing of John and Eunice Bosomworth’s private collection of close to 100 antique John Deere tractors and other collectibles, along with their herd of Norwegian Fjord horses, was held as a fundraiser for the CFGB. (Photo: Eunice Bosomworth holds a Norwegian Fjord pony.)
An estimated 1,500 people toured five buildings on the Bosomworth farm, filled with not just John Deere tractors, but also walking plows, buggies, stationary engines, wagons, cutters, carriages, tools, gas and oil company signs and lots more.
“We deeply appreciate John and Eunice Bosomworth’s willingness to generously share their amazing collection of antiques and horses,” the Mayberrys said. “It was wonderful to see seven community groups, most which are also growing crops in support of the CFGB, working together on this new venture. We are grateful for the hard work of those that organized and helped with this event and the incredible support of all those in attendance.” Eunice Bosomworth said almost $13,000 was raised at the day-long event from admission donations and food sales.
Since donations to the CFGB are matched four-to-one by the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), it means close to $65,000 was raised for the CFGB’s efforts to feed hungry people throughout the world, primarily with food-for-work programs, Eunice said. Organizers of, and volunteers at, the event were representatives from different CFGB groups in the area, involving five different denominations and churches in Clifford, Hanover, Harriston, Holstein, Kenilworth. Mount Forest and Proton.
A quiet man, John Bosomworth quipped that it was “a moment of weakness” when he agreed with a suggestion made by his sister-in-law and CFGB volunteer Mary Lou Holliday that the collection was one others in the community would be interested in seeing and the idea for the July 29 Antique Extravaganza was born.
“I’m really pleased it was such a success,” he added. “The Foodgrains Bank does a lot of good work and it’s a worthwhile cause.”
Courtesy Hanover Post
