ARLINGTON, P.E.I. — Branches were heavy, the fruit ripe, and what better way to spend a crisp autumn day than picking healthy snacks at Arlington Orchards.
Shriner’s Family Day, now in its 13th year, is sweet to the core for many.
“My family comes every year to pick apples here. I was born and raised just down the road, so I know the owner, Barry Balsom. Plus, it’s great to be outside and active while just having good wholesome fun,” said Mitchell Phillips, with his distracted nephew Chase Ramsay who was admiring juicy apples dangling within reach.
The family was one of many that streamed through the 32-acres of apples at the fundraiser.
Kensington Red Oak Shrine Club partners with Arlington Orchards every year to support the Montreal Shriners Hospital for Children, which is a non-profit medical facility.
“We started doing this event kind of on a whim and then it became a tradition that brings in thousands of people throughout the day,” said Wayne Newson, co-ordinator.
Funds raised from the event cover all transportation expenses, treatment, and lodging for one parent at the hospital in Montreal.
There are 22 Shriners hospitals for children across North America, with one in Canada.
“The hospitals look after children with bone and burn issues and there is no charge. These 22 hospitals run through fundraising alone, so events like this are important,” said Scott Cousin, president of the Red Oak Shrine Club.
“We only have two or three people a year from P.E.I. visiting the hospital in Montreal. But the Shriners help out if they need transportation funds back and forth to Halifax, and we do a ‘tab’ collection from beverage cans to raise money for children’s wheelchairs,” said Cousin.
Family day includes old-fashioned games such as sack races, three-legged races, crafts, and live musical entertainment. Food vendors and Cavendish Farms chip wagon were on-site.
A portion of sales from all Arlington Orchard’s apples sold go directly to the Shiners to support their cause. Apples ripe for the picking included MacIntosh, Ginger Gold, Lobo, and Paula Red.
The event began at 11 a.m. and ended at 5 p.m.
