The owners of a Peterborough County farm are teaming up with local businesses in hopes of making the holidays merry and meaningful for a local family in need.
Duff Acres in Keene has announced the return of its annual “Holiday Giftaway,” which it calls “a heartwarming event that highlights the power of local small businesses coming together to give back to the community.”
This holiday season, Duff Acres is partnering with Starrs Signs & Designs, 100 Acre Brewing Co., White Pine Pottery, Kawartha Sweets & Eats, and other local businesses to create a special bundle of goodies for an area family.
Ashley Foreman, who owns the farm with her husband Chris Duff, said this is the third year the farm has embraced the holiday giveaway opportunity.
“We’ve been deeply moved by the heartfelt stories shared by those nominating others,” Foreman told kawarthaNOW. “We’ve heard of many individuals facing health challenges that have left them unable to work and families navigating the first holiday season without a cherished loved one.”
“Through the Holiday Giftaway, we aim to bring a spark of joy to someone who may be struggling to embrace the holiday spirit,” she said. “In today’s world, where the rising cost of living makes it harder for many to make ends meet, we understand how overwhelming the season can feel. Our hope is to ease the burden for someone and help them rediscover the magic of the holidays.”
Foreman said the initiative is now a cherished tradition at Duff Acres, and it’s about more than giving gifts.
“It’s about celebrating the spirit of community, supporting local, and showing that even small gestures can make a big difference in someone’s life,” Foreman noted in a media release.
The gift bundle will contain a curated selection of local products, including from Duff Acres, each hand-picked in an effort to showcase the creativity and craftsmanship of the participating entrepreneurs.
“From delicious homemade treats to hand-crafted goods, this bundle is a reflection of what makes our community so special.”
The recipient family will be chosen through a nomination process. Members of the community can submit the names of families they believe could use a little extra cheer this holiday season. The winner will be contacted on December 13, with the bundle ready for pick-up in time for the holidays.
“We believe in the power of community, and the Holiday Giftaway is our way of uniting local businesses for a greater cause,” said Duff.
To nominate a family for the Holiday Giftaway, follow Duff Acres on Facebook and Instagram and look for the official Holiday Giftaway post with all the details on how to enter. Submissions are open until 11:59 p.m. on December 12.
Foreman and Duff, who have four children, built their home in 2019 on the 50-acre property where Duff had been raised and which has been in his family since 1987 and, in 2021, began running a hobby farm in part to keep their children busy during the pandemic.
The couple has since expanded the operations of the farm, which they say is dedicated to both community engagement and sustainable practices.
“We proudly invite our customers to visit the farm, offering a first-hand look at where their food comes from and how it’s raised,” Duff told kawarthaNOW. “Supporting local businesses is a priority for us, and we’re honoured to contribute to community events and fundraisers throughout the year.”
“We’ve also built meaningful partnerships that promote sustainability, including working with a local childcare centre to transform their food waste into feed for our animals, reducing landfill contributions while nourishing our livestock.”
“Additionally, we collaborate with local businesses to collect microgreen and produce waste, turning what might otherwise be discarded into valuable resources for our farm. By fostering these connections, we aim to support not just our farm, but the entire community,” Duff explained.
