A support space for farmers and first responders in Chatham-Kent and Sarnia-Lambton is looking to raise money to provide free therapy for those who visit.
The Three Oaks Respite Cabin, a 1,400 square foot, three bedroom cabin in a 50-acre woodlot located in Florence, will offer free stays for farmers and first responders trying to cope with the stress and anxieties of their jobs.
The cabin is a vision of the Bergsma family, who lost their son Dalles Bergsma to suicide on November 23, 2020. He was 27 years old.
After Bergsma's death, the family learned about the high statistics for anxiety and stress for farmers and first responders and how many suffer from those challenges.
"We decided there must be more families who are not aware of the struggles going on sort of right under their noses," said Diane Bergsma. "Certainly, when we learned about these statistics, we couldn't do nothing. We had to do something."
Bergsma said the family is teaming up with the National Farmer Mental Health Alliance to provide self-directed programming while visitors are at the cabin.
Guests will also receive a follow-up call from a therapist from the alliance to see if they are in a better place.
Bergsma said that having a therapist reach out is to make it easier for someone to accept the help, rather than putting the onus on them to make the call.
The family has received many donations of services and products during the construction of the Cabin, but they want to ensure the funds are there to provide free therapy for those who visit the cabin.
The Shifting Gears Tractor Parade is set for Saturday, August 12.
It will begin at 887 Shetland Rd., in Florence, and end at the Florence Community Centre, at 6213 Mill St.
Bergsma said they would like to see more participants join the event. Residents interested can do so by registering on the website.
The event also aims to showcase farmers and first responders, giving the public a chance to thank them and the contributions they make.
