Making maple syrup with a message
By Ryan Ridley
Farms.com Business Writer
McGavin Farm Equipment is doing their best to assist the families of Canadian soldiers killed in Afghanistan with their annual Freedom Syrup.
Located near Walton, ON, McGavin’s Sugar Bush started in 2010 with intentions of making maple syrup for friends and family.
“Neil McGavin thought it would be great if the grandchildren learned how maple syrup was made, so he asked Shannon and I, if it was okay to construct a sugar shack like what he grew up with back in 1945,” explained Jeff McGavin, co-owner of McGavin Farm Equipment.
But the hobby has grown into something much more meaningful.
The proceeds from every gallon of Freedom Syrup, over 200 gallons this year, are donated to the families whose loved ones paid the ultimate sacrifice defending our country.
These patriotic volunteers never imagined that one day they would raise over $70,000 for the families of the Fallen Soldiers Fund.
The name, hometown, and age of all 159 Canadians killed overseas are fixed on the lids of every sap pail, as a tribute to each individual who lost their life.
Annually, local families and supporters of fallen soldiers gather at Freedom Syrup for a dedication ceremony.
“Every year at dedication day, we read every name, every 159 of them, just to make sure that once a year, these kids get their names remembered,” explained Bob Rowe.
At the end of each maple syrup season, the lids from every station are returned to the shack where they are hung until next spring when the next round of supporters visit McGavin’s Sugar Bush.
At the end of every season, the lids are hung outside the sugar shack in memorium of our fallen soldiers. (McGavin Sugar Bush Facebook photo)
To stay up-to-date on Freedom Syrup, like their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/freedomsyrup.