Sean Corkery is selling pumpkins and an array of other vegetables on the front lawn of his home at the corner of Parkhill Road West and Wallis Drive in Peterborough. His goal is to raise money for the Brock Mission Men’s Shelter in Peterborough.
“Last year I gave away 200 pumpkins with donations to the Youth Emergency Shelter. I was able to raise $855 which I donated to them and so I’m doing the same thing this year to sell pumpkins and raise money for the Brock Street Mission,” said Corkery.
Brock Mission is a men’s shelter that aims to provide emergency crisis shelter, food, clothing and support to those in need in the community.
Corkery was inspired to make a difference in the community after he sustained a head injury 20 years ago when he was involved in an accident on Parkhill Road. He was in a coma for a week and had to learn how to walk and talk all over again.
“Fortunately, I was able to get insurance money that allowed me to have my home on the same street as the accident but still yet, I like to keep busy and so now I’m selling corn and pumpkins.”
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Corkery’s next door neighbour of about 20 years, Joe Wintjes, says his wife has Alzheimer’s and he can’t go too far for his groceries. So, he says the stand is perfect for him to be able to walk right next door.
“He’s done this for several years and everybody knows him in this area. A lot of people stop and he makes a lot of money for charity,” said Wintjes.
The produce is purchased from a supplier who offers Corkery the best price. He has a wide array of pumpkins including, pie pumpkins, white pumpkins and orange pumpkins.
The Jumbo pumpkins sell for $9, the medium pumpkins sell for $5 and the pie pumpkins sell for $3.50.
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Other vegetables for sale include apples, corn, onions, cabbage and carrots.
“There couldn’t be any better way to help the people in Peterborough. You’re donating to the Brock Street Mission through myself,” said Corkery. “I’m donating my labour to do all this work so that we can help Peterborough be a better place.”
The vegetable stand is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Corkery invites everyone to check out his display and give back to a good cause.
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