This summer has not provided much sunshine for north Canterbury, but one Oxford farm has grown its very own.
The field of sunflowers in South Eyre don’t just bring joy and great photos, but has also raised more than $50,000 for charity in the last three years.
Owner Kerry McCorry said she grew the sunflowers for the cows one year.
“I shared them in Oxford on the free food stall and people really loved them so that’s what gave me the idea.”
The money raised from the $10 entry fee and $2.50 price per stem are all donated to charity.
“It really makes me feel humbled that we can do this and do it every year for the community and for I Am Hope,” she said.
1News’ Lisa Davis visited the South Eyre field of sunflowers. (Source: 1News)
The field only opened at Waitangi weekend due to cool weather delaying the season, but in this time they have raised $11,000 for charity.
This year, they even hosted their first wedding with a $500 contribution from elopement celebrant Kineta Booker.
Photographer Andrea Zoe said the whole idea was to get married with the people who mean the most.
“It doesn’t need to be a big gigantic wedding anymore.”
She said the sunflowers were the perfect backdrop for the photos.
“Natural smiles, everyone’s happy, I don’t have to work hard to get those natural candid moments or anything, everybody’s beaming.”
Zoe paid tribute to McCorry’s efforts.
“I don’t think she quite understands how much of an impact she has had.”
McCorry said the fact people want to marry on the farm is “unbelievable”.
“I still can’t quite believe it, had a few tears when I drove past, it’s awesome.”
The South Eyre sunflowers will be at their best for three more weeks.
