Jorge Maria
Shawville August 18, 2021
Shawville locals have built a sunflower playground in the community to raise funds for those in need across the world.
Just north of Shawville, on the corner of Radford Road and Hwy 148, a field of sunflowers burst into view. The 10 acres of giant swaying flowers is the latest effort of the Pontiac Growers Project to raise funds and awareness for the Canadian Food Grains Bank.
In operation since 1983, the charity provides food and knowledge to countries in need.
In places where food has become scarce because of famine or local farmland has been decimated by a disaster, the organization provides food and agricultural development assistance.
Pontiac Growers Project organizer Mike Rusenstrom said this isn’t the first funding drive for the group. Still, this time they wanted to do something more interactive.
“[We’re] trying something to get the community [to] come out, to walk a field and maybe learn a little bit of something,” he said.
The group thought the picturesque setting would attract photographers and the curious. They encourage anyone to visit, take photos and explore without fear of trespassing.
On-site, there are signs and donation boxes for visitors.
“All funds donated are matched four-to-one by the Canadian government,” Rusenstrom said.
The field was a group initiative with support from local businesses and farmers alike.
RM Lang Farms provided 10 acres of land for the field; M&R Feeds donated the seed; local farmer Robbie Beck planted the crops; Tracy Welding made the donation boxes, and Hodgins Home Hardware donated the blocks to set up signage.
Visitors are encouraged to wander freely and take a flower with them as a souvenir if they want.
