Brenda Verdiel had a tough last year. Verdiel is the owner of Whinnying in Life, a not-for-profit registered charity that runs therapeutic programs for special needs children. She saw the fruits of her year's hard work turn to ashes in a barn and a shed fire.
“It was so difficult to watch, but thank god the animals were OK,” Verdiel said.
Despite the extensive damage to her property, the programs ran as scheduled.
Verdiel has since been working hard to get the barn back to its former glory and joining in her cause are four area Lions Clubs.
“Every year each Lion Club does small charity programs so this year when we heard about Brenda’s cause we decided to join forces,” said Carmen Portalance, zone chair for 47 North Lions Club.
Collectively, the Lions Club and Verdeil organized the charity fundraiser Raise the Barn that attracted many Sudburians to Hanmer.
The fundraiser packed a little bit of everything for every age group. The children had a chance to ride the train or pet some animals at the zoo.
Two full rows of games also waited on the children lining up for their turns.
The adults had an opportunity to take home some locally made trinkets or learn more about their future.
“It is turning out to be such a beautiful day, and quite a few people are here which is good for the barn,” Verdiel said.
The goal of the charity fundraiser was to raise an approximate figure of $10,000, needed to pay for another barn.
“We are probably going to go a bit over, we have tried to keep our costs low, and with the great turn out we can expect a bit more,” Portalance said.
“I am so grateful for the community’s support in helping us staying afloat,” Verdiel said.
While Verdiel is yet to recover from the trauma of watching her barn burn down, she is glad that the children who need most support are being looked after.
“We did not stop any therapeutic programs because the children needed it,” Verdiel said.
“A month ago, our neighbour's barn caught on fire, and I cried because I knew what they would go through to get their lives back together.”
