YOUR LOCAL PAPER
2021 Fall Section INSIDE!
Wednesday, September 29, 2021 Vol. 44, No. 39
$1 includes GST
Garden bounty shared with health care workers Patricia Harcourt Editor
Debbie O’Toole Balaban and husband Stan Balaban experienced an abundance of growth in their giant garden out on the farm this year. What to do with all that abundance, they asked themselves, and the answer came in an instant. “My husband and I decided to donate our garden abundance to the nursing staff and hospital staff at the Viking hospital just to say thanks and appreciation for all they’ve done through this time.” This time, of course, refers to the coronavirus pandemic which is now in its fourth wave and placing a heavy burden on hospitals throughout the province. “These are the stressful times they are experiencing and we’re just hoping to bring some positive vibes to them and make them feel appreciated and worthwhile,” she said. In the end, Viking/Beaver FCSS also received some of that good wholesome food. “We had lots at the farm,” she said. “We have a huge garden and we got a little carried away with this stuff.” So they bagged it up and delivered it on Tuesday to give to the nurses and all the staff in the hospital like lab workers, cooks, maintenance staff, “everybody.” The vegetables are a way of recognizing “all the hardworking people who don’t ever get recognized,” she said. “I think they really need a boost. There’s a lot of negativity out there right now.” So the couple’s message to them was that: “We appreciate you, we see you and we just like to share our harvest with you.” The vegetables given out included squash (lots of that, says Deb), carrots, beets and potatoes.
Stan Balaban and Debbie O’Toole-Balaban donate veggies to staff at Viking hospital and Viking/Beaver FCSS. Pictured from (L to R): Stan, Debbie, Amy Haeslop (Viking Unit Manager) and Marilyn Knopp (pharmacy).
Above: Rachel Mayko (Viking/Beaver FCSS Food Bank) receives vegetables from Stan and Debbie.