Haying In The 30s happens in Mallaig every year, but it never gets old. The event, which raises money to help cancer patients, celebrates everything that’s good about rural Alberta living.
Hundred of volunteers contribute time, toil, and talent throughout the year and on the August long weekend to put on an event that goes beyond a farming festival—it’s a living celebration of decades of local history and culture, all done in the spirit of helping your neighbour.
Fern Jean is the current president of the Haying In The 30s Cancer Support Society, having taken the reins from Warren Buryn this year. Her parents, Edgar and Cécile Corbière, got the whole thing rolling in 1999.
“In ’86, I had a brother who was diagnosed with cancer. And at that time, the treatments available for him were only available in Vancouver or Toronto so we ended up in Vancouver,” Jean said.
“It took a financial toll. My parents were small time farmers and so they approached the community and asked for a little bit of help, and the community came out strong. they provided some financial support and dad never forgot it.”
In 1999 Edgar saw someone with a team of horses at the side of the road, and they got to talking about putting on a fun weekend of old-time farming techniques. They raised a few thousand dollars to help cancer patients, and the seed of a great idea was planted.
Since then, the society has donated $7.4 million to cancer patients to help them offset expenses. Every dollar donated goes directly to patients—the volunteer-driven organization runs on an administrative overhead of zero.
“Everything on site is volunteered. There is no paid staff anywhere,” Jean said. “One hundred per cent of our donations this weekend will go 100 per cent to recipients. None of it is used for operating or anything—for that, we rely on corporate sponsors.
“The MD of Bonnyville and the County of Saint Paul are great supporters too. They see the benefit of what we’re doing in their communities.”
Visitors on the Haying weekend are treated to a huge variety of activities, demonstrations, attractions, music, and food. The whole family can come for a day or camp for the weekend, and you can keep your wallet in your pocket. There is no charge for anything.
The organization has an old-time “Bank” on site where people can stop by to make donations. There is no minimum, no badgering, no pressure.
Jean has witnessed the generosity of the sponsors, donors, and volunteers over the years and she’s still amazed by the community’s enthusiasm. She has special gratitude for everyone who pitches in to make the weekend so special.
“I’d like to thank all the volunteers,” she said. This is not possible without them, it’s 100 per cent volunteer-driven and it’s them that make this happen. I can’t thank them enough.”
