For the Wiersemas, reunions with the entire extended family are a tradition, and part of that tradition is raising money for their community. This year, they broke their own record by raising $8,000 for the Rainy River Health Centre.
Jan and Froukje Wiersema first moved from the Netherlands to Canada in 1952, where they temporarily situated themselves—along with most of their 16 children—as they got their footing in a new country. The next year, they purchased a farm in Barwick and quickly became a part of the community.
Corinne Webb, the granddaughter of Jan and Froukje, said that at every reunion, an auction is held where family members sell items to each other and send proceeds back to the community.
“The first year it was funny; it was mainly just stuff out of your camper, cookies or things you just didn’t need anymore,” Webb said. “But now, it’s evolved into some really good craftsmanship. This year a painting went for $600, and a quilt with all our family colours was sold for $1,900 to one of my cousins from B.C. who couldn’t make it. It’s just a family thing, and we’ve never raised this much money.”
The family also sold old antiques, handcrafted items from woodworkers in the group and baked goods for a total of $8,000 to be donated to Riverside Health Care.
Riverside Healthcare Director of Fundraising Holly Kaemingh said the funds will stay in the Rainy River Health Centre and be put towards future equipment purchases, as per the request from the Wiersemas.
“It’s unbelievable,” Kaemingh said. “I was just floored when they called me and said that their family reunion had raised this kind of money. It’s so amazing that they got together as a family and give back locally.
“It’s so special and we’re just so grateful for them.”
Webb said the next Wiersema family reunion is planned for 2030, with more plans for community fundraising.
