'I've got enough to live on': The 80-year-old giving away his harvest
A retired canefarmer grows and delivers pumpkins for free, feeding his community one ute-load at a time.
In a modest pumpkin patch located in the Whitsundays, an 80-year-old retired canegrower named Darcy Emmerson is providing more than just pumpkins to the local community. This humble man donates approximately a tonne of pumpkins twice a week to various community groups, charities, churches, daycare centres, doctors' surgeries, and businesses in Proserpine, Cannonvale, and Airlie Beach. He performs this act without any expectation of compensation, stating that he has enough to live on.
Darcy Emmerson's initiative goes beyond mere charity; it is a heartfelt gift to those in need. Mr. Emmerson ensures he delivers the biggest pumpkins to community groups, enabling them to utilize the entire pumpkin, thereby maximizing its utility. The Pumpkin Man is warmly welcomed at the Proserpine Community Centre, where volunteers greet him with hugs, and support officers like Ashley Gunn prepare the pumpkins for distribution.
The Pumpkin Man's generosity extends to various recipients, including Meals on Wheels participants, the Proserpine Community Centre, and even the Endeavour Foundation, a local farm established by his grandparents in 1918.
Mr. Emmerson's generosity has not only touched the lives of those who receive the pumpkins but also inspired others in the community. A local sign-writer has crafted a professional sign for his pumpkin stand, and an anonymous donor has provided him with a net for the back of his ute to prevent pumpkins from falling out. A local restaurant has added "Darcy's Pumpkin Soup" to its menu, and a mother has even started writing a children's book inspired by his kindness.
The Pumpkin Man's favourite stop is the Endeavour Foundation, where the pumpkins are incorporated into meals for individuals attending the learning and lifestyle hub.
As the pumpkin season draws to a close, Mr. Emmerson expresses his gratitude for the support he has received and his plans to continue his charitable efforts. He believes that kindness, when shared and passed on, creates a ripple effect of goodwill. With the help of his 86-year-old friend and family, he is confident that the pumpkin deliveries will continue, ensuring that the community remains well-fed.
Written by urgent.news from ABC News AU's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
