Thanksgiving fundraiser helps Safe Families Canada

By Lethbridge Herald on October 17, 2025.

Alejandra Pulido-Guzman
Lethbridge Herald

The Lethbridge Corn Maze hosted their 26th Annual Thanksgiving Fundraiser on Thanksgiving Monday with this year’s admission proceeds going towards Safe Families Lethbridge, a non-profit organization dedicated to surrounding local families in crisis with caring and compassionate community.

Theo Slingerland, co-owner of the Lethbridge Corn Maze said the fundraiser went well even though it was not as successful as previous years due to the cold weather. 

“But we were able to raise $7,500 but we are just going to match it up to $10,000 with other funds,” said Slingerland. 

He said every year they look for a different organization to donate their Thanksgiving Fundraiser funds to, and this year they selected Safe Families because one of his children volunteers with the organization. 

“We looked into it, they are a good cause, they help families stay together and because family means a lot to us, that’s why we chose them,” said Slingerland. 

When speaking about why the fundraiser takes place on Thanksgiving Day, Slingerland said it was because it is their way to say thank you to the community for their support. 

“Thanksgiving is the best day to say thanks, and to help those who need help,” said Slingerland. 

He said those wishing to visit the Corn Maze, still have time as they are open until the end of the month. 

“We’re open until Oct. 3. Visitors can enjoy the corn mazes, yard mazes, ziplines, corn pit, jumping pillow and more. The Pumpkin displays are perfect for a fall family picture or to pick out the perfect pumpkin to take home,” said Slingerland. 

Amy Vetter, Lethbridgechapter director, shared that the fundraiser taking place at Thanksgiving was an amazing coincidence, as it was during Thanksgiving 2023 when the chapter opened, and they are very grateful for the funds received from the Lethbridge Corn Maze. 

“The funds the corn maze donated are going directly towards families, to support them while they navigate crisis,” said Vetter. 

She explained those funds will help cover things like damage deposits, bus passes, groceries, and other necessities. 

“As well as providing training for volunteers that support the families. They get trained in trauma informed care, understanding poverty and its effects on families,” said Vetter. 

She said the Lethbridge Chapter of Safe Families Canada has made a meaningful impact in the community within the two years they have been opened. 

“We have been able to help 87 families in the last two years, and that represents just under 300 kids that we have been able to keep safe,” said Vetter. 

She said their motto is “kids safe, families together.” And for this they work with the parents to provide them with tools and things that they need to be able to get out of crisis. Including short term hosting. 

“All of the crises are related to social isolation, for people that do not have a support network,” said Vetter. 

She shared that 100 families were served, which represents 272 children. 29 families were housed, and 64 families graduated from their program. They also offered 971 daytime hostings, and 757 overnight hostings.

For those in need of support, Vetter said there is couple of options, either through a referral or by reaching out directly. 

Referral can be done through https://forms.office.com/r/minNE3MiW9.

And their website is https://safefamiliescanada.com/find-a-chapter/lethbridge-region-ab/