B.C. senior sells corn to support BC Children’s Hospital

Gary Hee, an 82-year-old who lives near the Surrey-Langley border, has raised $2,003 for BC Children’s Hospital by selling Chilliwack corn. He bought 200 dozen, or 2,400 cobs, for the birthday fundraising project he calls the Chilliwack Corn Express.

The farm supplying the corn matches his purchases with free ears, allowing the sale to continue through about mid-September. Hee was typically selling near 196 Street and 64 Avenue on weekends, but shifted in mid-August to delivering special orders for family and friends until the corn is gone.

The Royal Canadian Legion in Cloverdale has also offered him a place to sell at a special event on Sept. 12. Hee said Sparkes Corn Barn has supplied the fresh corn at a discount.

He chose BC Children’s Hospital because a grandchild received three heart surgeries and other care there. Hee said the work connects him with childhood memories of his grandmother’s corn farm in Victoria and with a lifelong desire to help others.