A picture is worth a thousand words, but in this case, it can also help a Wellington County farm raise money for Ronald McDonald House Charities.
Pfisterer Farms is hosting Wheat Field Minis, an event allowing families to book a 15-minute photography session on their farm in Kenilworth, ON.
Participating families will have their photos taken and edited by a professional photography service called Captured By Kait.
Each photography session costs $70, which includes a $20 donation to Ronald McDonald House Charities.
“We invite folks out to get a farm tour and what the farm is about, get to see the animals, and they get five to 10 professional shot photos, which get sent via email,” said Jessica Pfisterer, owner of Pfisterer Farm.
Pfisterer explains this is the third fundraising event they have done. The farm did two previous photography events, which raised money for Ronald McDonald House and the Guelph Wish Fund.
"For the fall ones, we took people on our laneways, we have some stunning maples," said Pfisterer about past sessions, "And then we pulled out Santa's tractor for our Christmas ones."
She explains the price was decided based on making it accessible to as many families as possible.
"A big theme in our farm is everything accessible, tying it back to our core principles, so everyone can come out."
Currently, there are 15 spots left for families to take advantage of, including a few sunset sessions taking place between 7:15 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.
"Those are going to be stunning," said Pfisterer about those sessions.
Participants are encouraged to not show up super early for their time slot, as the farm is trying to maintain social distancing during each session.
The Pfisterer family has been raising money for Ronald McDonald House after they used their services in Hamilton. Their son, Boone, spent nine months at McMaster Hospital after being born premature.
“It really did become our home away from home,” she said about that experience. “It provided so much solace for our family and we wanted to make sure that their services continue."
Pfisterer mentions the idea to do photography sessions as a fundraiser came together during the pandemic, as a unique and fun activity that can safely allow lots of people through the farm.
"It's really fun," she said. "We get to talk to people and lots of people have been touched by Ronald McDonald House, either in their own families or close friends of the family, and people are super supportive of the charity."
With 30 spots set up for this Sunday, Pfisterer hopes to raise $500 for the charity to support its Meals that Heal program.
"All it is, is enabling house to provide meals for the families staying there," said Pfisterer, "That was something that was super key for us. You didn't have to worry about cooking and you got this nutritious meal."
“It's $350, and usually we raise more than that for the funds."
The Pfisterer family plans to deliver a cheque to the organization in person in August.
To book a session, go to pfistererfarm.com.
