Huron Hospice continues green initiatives
Huron Hospice tackles invasive plants, plants native species of plants for pollinators, moves to reduce environmental footprint with purchase of electric lawn mower
Electric lawn mower demonstration takes place in Clinton on July 10
Huron Hospice and RONA Moffatt & Powell in Seaforth are co-hosting an electric lawn mower demonstration day in Clinton on Thursday, July 10, 2025 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Huron Hospice is raising funds for an electric lawn mower that cuts four acres of grass with one charge.
There are demonstrations every half hour as well as tours and refreshments.
When Huron Hospice purchased the 12-acre property in 2017 to open their residence, they knew the extensive grounds provided opportunities and challenges.
“The volunteer grounds care team have learned about invasive and native plants and has worked hard to remove invasive species, such as Buckthorn and Garlic Mustard," said Huron Hospice Executive Director Willy Van Klooster.
The grounds care team has planted lots of native trees and pollinator plants. With all their hard work and organic practices, Huron Hospice is listed as a Certified North American Monarch Waystation.
Of the 12 acres on the property, six acres are grass and gardens, and the rest is a memorial forest. The volunteer team are trying to find a happy balance by naturalizing the lawn without applying fertilizer, herbicide, or water. However, it still needs cutting. A team of volunteers is cutting the five acres of lawn and trails every week, which can take up to four hours.
When the Hospice doors opened, McGavin Farm Equipment generously donated a riding mower, which has served the organization well. It is time to replace the mower, and Huron Hospice will use the opportunity to choose a more environmentally friendly electric alternative.
After careful research, Huron Hospice has decided to purchase a zero-turn electric mower from RONA Moffatt & Powell in Seaforth.
Beyond the substantial reduction to the carbon footprint, Hospice residents, their families, staff, and volunteers will benefit from the quieter operation, especially when spending time on the private patios.
The organization will also benefit from the five-year warranty program. With no oil changes, and belt or sparkplug replacements, there should be lower annual maintenance costs.
Huron Hospice invites the community to the Electric Lawn Mower Demonstration Event at Bender House, 37857 Huron Road, Clinton, on Thursday, July 10, 2025 between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m.
Download the Electric Lawn Mower Demonstration poster.
RONA Moffatt & Powell Rona will be on hand.
There will be a demonstration of the new Huron Hospice lawnmower every half hour and other electric mowers and garden tools from Moffatt & Powell will be showcased. There will also be tours of the property and inside the residence. Refreshments are available.
To learn more about the event, please call Willy Van Klooster at 519-525-6856.
“At Huron Hospice, we always seek green solutions. We are proud of taking positive steps toward making this a better world, one blade of grass at a time. We also seek to be fiscally responsible with community donations. This purchase meets both those goals," said Van Klooster.
“To help a local charity reduce the purchase cost, Moffatt & Powell is pleased to choose Huron Hospice as our designated charity for 2025," said RONA Moffatt and Powell store manager, Mikeal Court. "We will raise money through raffle ticket sales, barbecues, and other activities to help offset the cost of the mower."
Those who would like to help Huron Hospice purchase this green mower can donate online, during the demo day or anytime from June to September, at www.huronhospice.ca/lawnmower
People can also donate at the RONA Moffatt & Powell store in Seaforth.
Donations of $20 and more receive a charitable gift receipt for income tax purposes.
Huron Hospice is offering the following as a way of thanking donors for larger contributions:
- A $100 donation receives an up-cycled tote bag, handmade by one of the volunteers while supplies last
- A $250 donation receives a tote bag and a $15 gift certificate from RONA Moffatt & Powell.
Reducing our impacts on Lake Huron, from land to lake, includes planting native species of plants; removing invasive species; and reducing the use of pollutants that could reach our creeks, rivers, and lake.