Michel Bergeron, the owner of Bergeron Garden Centre (Les Serres Bergeron) in Rockland and his dog, Bailey. (Anil Jhalli, EAP)
Michel Bergeron wanted not only a way to honour his late wife, but also, give back to a community that has given his family so much.
Bergeron, the owner and operator of Bergeron Garden Centre (Les Serres Bergeron), located on De La Baie Road, just off County Road 17 in Rockland, is hosting an event called Blooms for Cancer on Saturday, June 20 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.
The event, in collaboration with local radio stations 92.5 BIG FM Rockland and 107.7 BIG FM Hawkesbury, is money for the Canadian Cancer Society and the Rockland Help Centre, the local food bank that continues to see rising demand week after week.
It also honours the memory of Bergeron’s wife, Thérèse, who passed away from cancer last May. Thérèse was an integral part of not only the garden centre, but also Landtech, another business owned by the Bergeron family.
“The last year has been extremely difficult, but I have been doing my best to keep busy,” said Bergeron. “We did everything together, and it has been an adjustment without her.”
Bergeron said he’s lucky to be surrounded by supportive friends and family and showing appreciation to a community that has embraced the family business that has been operating for more than 65 years.
“This is where we call home,” said Bergeron of the Clarence-Rockland community. “I know she (Thérèse) would want to have something like this event, because it is something that is giving back and helping our community and the people who need help.”
A portion of all garden centre sales during the event will go directly to support local causes, while representatives of the local radio station will be on site, weather permitting, broadcasting live. However, the event itself is happening rain or shine.
“When I came up with the idea, I reached out to Michel Bergeron, and without hesitation—and after hearing just a few details—he said, ‘I’m in,’” said Derrick Scott, Operations Manager for 92.5 BIG-FM Clarence-Rockland and 107.7 BIG-FM Hawkesbury.
