Day 15

Monday, March 30, 2020

A little cheer from yesterday in the garden. These crocuses have been soldiering away without much care for years now and they are our first sign of hope for spring. There are a few tulip leaves there as well.

This morning I saw a post on our local Caremongering Facebook page from a local couple who have really hit a wall. Here is what was posted this morning -

SAVE OUR FARM! PLEASE READ!!
My name is Dave Blenkhorn and I own a small farm in Port Royal, I’m a licensed automotive technician and my wife is a nurse currently employed at the Annapolis Community Health Centre. I’m writing in hopes of getting some assistance with a matter regarding Farm Credit Canada and the Covid-19 programs.
This winter has been an extremely tough one to put it mildly. We fell behind on a few bills, but survived. My wife and I sat down and determined that the best plan of action was for me to continue to operate the farm and shop from home while she returned to work.
The shop had just started to get some calls, Evie had just renewed her license and got the job at the hospital, when the pandemic really took hold and everything started closing. She is now risking exposure every day that she walks through the doors to work and does so courageously! I’m home with our 2 children attempting to home school them to the best of my ability.
When we spoke to our agent at FCC he informed us that because we fell behind on a couple payments, we’re NOT eligible for ANY Covid-19 assistance. He will apply for the programs for us ONLY after we’re caught up. We were already in the process of getting caught up when this pandemic started, and the decision for her to continue with her return to work as opposed to isolate until this whole thing passes was a very difficult one. I worry every time she goes out the door for her shift. It came down to the people need her help. SHE’S A REAL HERO!
If food shortages start to happen then farms like ours will be crucial. We’re not large in livestock, but have some Scottish highland cattle, apples, and also have the ability/land to start community gardens or assist in new ways we have yet to think of.
We are now trying to raise $5111.50 to get caught up by selling all of our inventory and hope it will be enough. Our beef is a very high quality product and I suggest checking out our website for more detailed information about us, as well as the health and overall benefits of this breed. (Link below)
All the prices listed are our minimum donation price and any additional help would be a huge blessing. If purchasing beef is not an option then you can still help. Write the FCC president, write our MLA and ask if they can remove the clause that states accounts must be 100% current before being eligible? That clause eliminates those who need it most and the economic state we’re in currently is making it very difficult to catch up. All we want is to be eligible for the same programs as their other clients.The shop had just started to get some calls, Evie had just renewed her license and got the job at the hospital, when the pandemic really took hold and everything started closing. She is now risking exposure every day that she walks through the doors to work and does so courageously! I’m home with our 2 children attempting to home school them to the best of my ability.When we spoke to our agent at FCC he informed us that because we fell behind on a couple payments, we’re NOT eligible for ANY Covid-19 assistance. He will apply for the programs for us ONLY after we’re caught up. We were already in the process of getting caught up when this pandemic started, and the decision for her to continue with her return to work as opposed to isolate until this whole thing passes was a very difficult one. I worry every time she goes out the door for her shift. It came down to the people need her help. SHE’S A REAL HERO!If food shortages start to happen then farms like ours will be crucial. We’re not large in livestock, but have some Scottish highland cattle, apples, and also have the ability/land to start community gardens or assist in new ways we have yet to think of.We are now trying to raise $5,111.50 to get caught up by selling all of our inventory and hope it will be enough. Our beef is a very high quality product and I suggest checking out our website for more detailed information about us, as well as the health and overall benefits of this breed. (Link below)All the prices listed are our minimum donation price and any additional help would be a huge blessing. If purchasing beef is not an option then you can still help. Write the FCC president, write our MLA and ask if they can remove the clause that states accounts must be 100% current before being eligible? That clause eliminates those who need it most and the economic state we’re in currently is making it very difficult to catch up. All we want is to be eligible for the same programs as their other clients.Thank you for taking the time to read this and helping in this matter.
Sincerely,
The Blenkhorn family
https://royalacresestate.wixsite.com/royalacresestate

And just when we are all getting a little shack-happy and whining a tad, this comes from a neighbour family who is really up against it. I hope our community can find a way to help.

I took the weekend off, called a few friends on the phone, read some, watched TV, and read some emails. I am running out of Netflix movies now.

Stay safe everyone, this will not pass soon.
Onwards!