The owners of a u-pick corn operation north of Williams Lake lost a large building and equipment in a fire last month.
On Sunday, July 26, Soda Creek Sweet Corn’s building at the Dunlevy Ranch where they sorted, stored and refrigerated corn was completely destroyed.
“It was about $500,000 worth of equipment, some of it used for corn harvesting, and a building lost,” said Pam Kaufman who married into the family and has started a gofundme because unfortunately the building was not insured.
“Ron and Gloria and Steven and Linda [Kaufman] would never ask for a hand out, so I am asking for help on their behalf,” she noted adding if anyone would like to make cash donations when the u-pick is open, they can do so at the u-pick tent when they pay.
She said the family with the help of the McLeese Lake Volunteer Fire Dept. tried to fight the fire and at this point the exact cause has not been determined.
There were also two classic cars inside the building that were destroyed.
U-pick sweet corn has been offered at the Dunlevy Ranch since 1982.
Soda Creek Sweet Corn is located off of Highway 97 about 40 kilometres north of Williams Lake. Signs will be posted along highway when the corn is ripe, expected to be ready near the end of the month. Business will carry on as usual with the cornfield and vegetable garden.
Read more: Soda Creek Sweet Corn is open and ready for picking corn, vegetables and herbs
Read more: Learning from those who call home on the range
news@wltribune.com
Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter