By Sharon Weatherall
From January to October ‘We are the Villagers’ (WATV) will receive
support through the sales of truffles made by ‘The Elegant Gourmet’ on King
Street in Midland.
Mountain Truffles have been a big hit at the store since
they were created nearly a decade ago by Susan and Glen Canning’s four year old
son. Now 12, Matthew Canning has been
making mountain truffles for eight years and raising money for the Midland Toy
Drive at Christmas time. The proceeds go towards buying toys which stay in
Midland and are distributed by the Children’s Aid Society.
This Christmas Matthew decided to share the wealth with registered
children’s charity WATV. Starting January 1st he will make mountain
truffles in January to the end of October each year and proceeds will be
donated to the children of the village.
“They seem like good people – I personally like what they do
so we decided to support them,” said Matthew.
“They help kids that don’t have enough money to do extra-curricular
activities. I think I know what it feels like to feel bored and not belong to
some activities and I know how happy you can be when someone is trying to help
you enjoy your childhood.”
When he was just four years old Matthew made his first truffle
for a little friend, followed by a whole tray full to sell. When someone said ‘hey
you should make those and sell them all the time’ the charity idea blossomed. At
the time Susan Canning talked to her son and they came up with an incentive and
formula to split the proceeds in half.
“The first lady that bought a truffle off that tray Matthew
gave a hug to. He was so happy to see them selling. I talked to him about donating
half the money to the toy drive and he asked me if he could think about it. Then
he came back and said ‘I would love to do that’ so that’s how it all started,”
said Canning.
When he was just six years old young Matthew Canning was a
guest on Breakfast Television making his truffles and sharing his story. Three years
ago when they had their moist generous year yet the donation box was stolen and
the community rallied to raise the money back and then some. Susan Canning
notified the media about what had happened and thanks to public support four extra
carloads of toys were purchased that year for Midland children.
Due to the rising cost of chocolate over the past two years
the price of the truffles has gone up for the first time in ten years. The delicious
treats will now sell for $2.50 each with one dollar of the proceeds going
towards Matthew and the other dollar and half going towards charity. Glen Canning
- Matthew’s dad actually makes the truffles, while Matthew decorates them. He’s
a pro at dressing up the tasty chocolate mounds by using seasonal themes
throughout the year.
At Christmas as many as 25 – 30 truffles weekly are covered
with coloured sprinkles and go out the door with proceeds going to the toy
drive. So far it’s the busiest time of the year for truffles but the Canning’s
are hoping that will change. Once the word gets out that they are being sold
for charity on a year round basis they will hope truffle sales will become more
popular.
“Matthew decorates them for the different seasons with little
hearts at Valentines and flowers in the springtime. We are hoping with the
proper publicity people will come to know they are being sold for charity, and we
will get more sales on a regular basis,” said Canning who greatly appreciates
the work of WATV cofounders Julianna Matyas and Geoff Crompton.
“I have known Julianna for years and think the work she is
doing is wonderful…I love what she does. I spoke to her about this charity when
they first got it started and it is amazing to watch how it has grown. Initially
she asked me to become involved but with our business I was just too busy so
the truffle sales are a way that we can help support the Villagers. Matthew
loved the idea.”
Canning says through WATV they can help kids every day of
the year with all proceeds from January through October going directly towards
the cause.
“The toy drive is a wonderful cause but it’s only for one
day where the Villagers help kids every day. This way we can support both charities
raising money for the toy drive during November and December and for the
Villagers the rest of the year,” said Canning.
“This year we were raffling a huge teddy bear to help raise
money for the toy drive and the when it came time for the draw Julianna Matyas won
it. She says the teddy is going to be a mascot for the Villagers. Matthew thought
that was wonderful.”
WATV is a registered charity which supports over 350 kids in
recreational programs throughout the area and farther. WATV has a mission to
help families and their children participate in extra-curricular activities of interest
to them. Whether sports, music, art or other interests, WATV sponsor children
in need so that they may take part in these activities without being restricted
by registration fees and equipment costs. WATV hosts community supported
fundraising events on a year round basis to raise the money and cover the costs
to help reach goals. Now the sale of chocolate truffles will assist.
“I thought this was an amazing Christmas story and just an
amazing all-around story of giving and caring and sharing” said Matyas.
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