At 88 years young, Bernie Van Herk is not slowing down any time soon.
As an avid gardener and honorary member of the Communities in Bloom Committee, he has spent many years volunteering at the Ted Blowes Memorial Pollinator Peace Garden.
He dedicates his time to preparing plants and working on weeding and watering the garden on a regular basis, beautifying the space for everyone who visits. The vibrant flowers and plants found at the garden are a testament to his dedication to his community.
Bernie’s enthusiasm and willingness to help others despite his age serve as an inspiration to the Stratford community.
In 2021, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Bernie donated 60 sunflowers and 50 calla lilies that were given out for free at the Stratford Farmers Market, with hopes of brightening up the community he lives in.
In addition to gardening, Bernie also raises Monarch butterflies and gives them to those in the Stratford community who have lost a loved one or are in need of some uplifting.
A former employee of Stratford General Hospital, he is known by many people in the community due to his friendliness.
StratfordToday was delighted to surprise Bernie with a Random Act of Kindness to repay his good deeds at the place where he spends most of his time - The Ted Blowes Memorial Pollinator Peace Garden.
He received a bouquet of flowers along with gift cards to his favourite restaurants and gardening supplies stores.
“He was really surprised and it definitely made his day,” said Barb Hacking, Bernie’s Random Act of Kindness nominator.
“Bernie is an amazing ambassador for Stratford,” she added. “He is so deserving and always goes out of his way to help others.”
Thank you to our co-sponsors, Cozyn's Garden Gallery, Klomp’s Home & Garden, Rheo Thompson Candies, Chocolate Barr’s Candies, Fellini’s Italian Cucina and Forest of Flowers for making this Random Act of Kindness possible.
StratfordToday is proud to make a difference in our community by highlighting extraordinary individuals and organizations with our Random Acts of Kindness, a foundational piece of our StratfordToday Cares program.
The StratfordToday Cares team's mission is to create meaningful change in Stratford - and inspire others to do the same.
