Beef on a Bun Fundraiser
Green Acres Foundation is hosting a Beef on a Bun Fundraiser for the Sue Labuhn Memorial Library at Westminster Elementary School on Friday, June 2. Last year the Foundation raised $5,182 for the library! Click here to order a beef on a bun bagged lunch on our before the end of May 29.
We chatted with Sue’s husband, Harvey, to learn more about the importance of this fundraiser and the connection between Sue, Green Acres Foundation, and Westminster Elementary School.
Sue Labuhn
Sue Labuhn – the namesake of the library at Westminster School - was an important and appreciated member of Green Acres Foundation. Sue found enjoyment working with seniors, but her involvement with the community did not stop there.
Although Harvey is not sure how Sue found out about the Reading Ladies at Westminster Elementary School, he does know that she thought it was a great idea to volunteer and help students learn to read. “What appealed to her was – she loved to read. She was also taking a writing course through the University of Toronto,” he recalled.
Volunteering at Westminster Elementary School
There are many stories about Sue volunteering as a Reading Lady but one humorous story stands out. Sue told Harvey about one of the students who was complaining about the books that she was reading and that he did not like them. The next time Sue volunteered she ended up being paired with this same student again and he told her, “Oh no, not you again!”
Sue was determined to win this student over and came prepared this time. She had previously asked the student what kind of stuff he liked, and Sue picked out a less traditional book - more of a science fiction or graphic novel.
Harvey explained, “His eyes lit up! She figured she got him reading something that he was actually interested in. This particular child hooked her into doing this. She really enjoyed being around the other Reading Ladies. She enjoyed the opportunity to be around the kids and help out where she could.”
“Nice Matters”
In Sue’s obituary, the family had declined flowers but instead asked for donations in Sue Labuhn’s name to Westminster Elementary School. “As a result of that, people were very generous and they made the decision to rename the library after Sue, which was unexpected and wonderful. There’s been a lasting benefit to that.”
Even though Harvey believes that naming the library in Sue’s name is wonderful, he knows that Sue would have wanted to share the name of the library with everyone who helped. “I’m sure Sue would rather the library be called The Reading Ladies Library as opposed to her name. I can assure you of that. Shout out to the Reading Ladies. They’re the ones who started it all.”
Westminster Elementary School continues to receive donations in Sue Labuhn’s name which helps many programs in the library. “Donations, like this one that Green Acres does, helps to keep it going. When you see the kids and how excited they are about getting an award for reading, it’s a wonderful thing. They’ve managed to expand what is available for the kids. I think access to a library with up-to-date information has been pretty powerful.”
“It’s really about giving kids something they want to read. It goes back to that story about the kid that didn’t want to read because he didn’t like the books. Give him something he’s interested in and all of a sudden reading is a great thing.”
Sue’s favourite saying was, “nice matters,” which is very fitting since her generosity and influence continues to have a strong lasting impact in the community. Green Acres Foundation is proud to host an annual Beef on a Bun Fundraiser to honour Sue and her love for seniors, reading, and children. Thank you to everyone who makes this fundraiser possible and supports the Sue Labuhn Memorial Library at Westminster School!
Click here to order a beef on a bun bagged lunch before the end of May 29.