Providing the spark for Canada Day fireworks

“I believe that Hospice care is an extremely important part of any community,” said Hanna Rycroft, who turned the Basket Case, a Morrisburg business she co-owns, into a live radio satellite station on Saturday, November 3. 

“People can freely go to the hospice when they have the need. And families can be with their loved ones day and night, not in a hospital setting, but instead in a caring and home-like environment.”

Rycroft volunteered her business to be a local focus for the 4th Annual Telethon for Hospice on November 3. She also offered  people who dropped in to the Basket Case, and made a donation of at least $5, soup and cake.

The Telethon was organized by TVCogeco in conjunction with Variety 104.5 The goal set for the November 3 Telethon was $80,000. Rycroft hoped that area residents would help the Telethon make that goal.

“Hospices receive very limited provincial and federal funding,” Rycroft said. “Most of their funding comes from events like this one.”

“Many people may not know this,” said Angie Baker, general sales manager of Corus Entertainment, the parent company of Variety 104.5, 101.9 CJSS and the CornwallDaily.com, “but the Cornwall Hospice actually supports the people in this area. Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry, as well as Russell, are served by this hospice. It is really a vital part of this community as it is the only hospice that is near to local people. The next closest hospice is actually in Ottawa.”

This is the first time since the Telethon began that organizers have set up a satellite location during the fund raiser. 

“Because many local people cannot get TVCogeco, where the fundraiser is broadcast live, we decided to set up a radio connection here in Morrisburg. We hope people turn out to support us.”

On hand, broadcasting from the Basket Case was Courtney Chambers, the midday announcer of Variety 104.5.

Also on site were volunteers from Scotiabank.

“Scotiabank has made a $5,000 donation to the Hospice cause,” Hanna Rycroft said. 

The volunteers were on hand to greet the public and to help people complete donations forms. 

Rycroft hopes that awareness and understanding about the importance of Hospices is raised during the Telethon. 

“We had one lady visit today whose husband passed his last days in the Cornwall hopice. She told me that he said that hospice was like paradise. The people who work in hospice care are kind and good. They welcome those who need them.”

Rycroft particularly hopes that young people educate themselves about how important quality hospice care is for any community. 

She has also has a challenge for area businesses and individuals.

The Basket Case has pledged to donate $100 a month for the next 12 months to the Cornwall Hospice. She hopes that others will also make pledges so that the work of hospice care can continue. The telethon surpassed their goal, raising over $107,000, with the Morrisburg location contributing $5,000 to the total. 

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“The interesting thing about spring trade shows is, not only are they great for local businesses, they’re great for communities as a whole,” said Donnie Bowes of the South Dundas Chamber of Commerce Home and Trade Show committee. “It’s a chance to shake off winter and get out and explore what the community has to offer.” 

“And, there aren’t that many of these trade shows in our area,” he said. “Ours attracts more exhibitors and visitors every year.”

When the South Dundas Home and Trade Show opens its doors at the Morrisburg arena Friday April 11, the venue will truly have something for everyone. 

“We are thrilled to be in a sold out position,” said Geraldine Fitzsimmons, manager of the South Dundas Chamber of Commerce. 

Sold out, means that over 70 exhibitors will be on site for the two day event that runs Friday from 4-9 p.m., and Saturday starting at 9 a.m.

“This trade show is really a win-win for both the business community and the community at large,” said Joey Van Koppen, president of the trade show committee.

Organizers say, that the timing of this show is perfect. 

After a long winter, with lots of time to plan for summer projects, people can now, go and see all the great products and services that area businesses offer.

One of the feature attractions of the South Dundas Home and Trade Show, is ‘Ask the experts’ where knowledgeable people in a wide variety of areas are on site to offer free advice. 

This year the experts include Josh Beimond, who will discuss organic lawn maintenance Friday at 6:30 p.m. Barry Keicks is talking about the wild turkey hunt Friday at 7:30 p.m. 

Flo McKenzie offering advice on flower and vegetable gardens Saturday at 10 a.m. At 11 a.m. well known fisherman Reno Viola will talk fishing. At 1 p.m. Karen Marshall will discuss decorating trends. 

South Dundas Fire and Emergency Services will talk Fire Safety at 2 p.m. The final experts of this show will be cooking by Pampered Chef at 3 p.m.

“We have a really great lineup of experts this year, so we are really hoping people will take advantage of the opportunity,” said Fitzsimmons.

The Morrisburg and District Lions Club will have a great food concession on site throughout the event, offering a chicken barbecue Friday night, pancake breakfast Saturday morning followed by pulled pork for lunch.

As always, the South Dundas Chamber of Commerce is proud to offer, not only free admission to the show, but also a free door prize draw. 

Ten door prizes of $100, to be spent at one of the trade show exhibitors businesses, will be given away.

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