No detail went unnoticed by our own Chef Jeremy, at this year’s sold out Alice in Wonderland themed Peace Arch Hospital Foundation gala.

“Guests drank vials of liquid labelled “Drink Me” before entering the event through a giant tree stump, and then squeezed through a keyhole to find their tables. They also enjoyed freshly shucked oysters fromVictoria’s Wandering Mollusk, a hookah lounge, a garden of giant flowers and mushrooms, and the Queen’s court silent auction.” -Peace Arch Foundation

1.5 million was raised for the Peace Arch Foundation. This event’s proceeds will support the purchase of critically needed equipment at Peace Arch Hospital. We were so honoured to be chosen to sponsor the Hookah Lounge.

Fairhaven Catering at John Volken Academy Farms

This past month we got to cater an event for Denbow. They invited their guests out to John Volken Academy Farms to tour the facilities (including the Buffalo and Bison barns) and we were there to feed their clients. How thankful we were for Denbow to give this experience to us, and to their guests. It was an invaluable experience.

We served Bison Short Rib Tacos as well as Water Buffalo Burgers. We had walk about Charcuterie Cones available as well as snack dips.

The John Volken Academy is a non profit organization that operates as “a long term drug and alcohol rehabilitation centre. The Academy has many enterprises which the residents of the John Volken Academy program (referred to as students) learn valuable life skills. These skills will help students keep their sobriety! Academy Farms is one of those social enterprises and students learn transferable skills that they can take into the workplace. And yes, with supervision from our staff, students operate the day-to-day operations at the farm!” - www.academyfarm.org

We were honoured to be chosen to cater by Denbow and in turn we got to meet with Academy Farms residents and employees and hear the story. Along with our team, our Marketing Manager, Tara Gibson was on site and was lucky enough to sneak a private tour with one of the residents of Academy Farms.

The young guy was very open and honest about his experience with recovery and, with a hopeful and positive outlook, his inspiring experience with the Buffalo on Academy Farms. I was given the opportunity to see the relationship that these residents have with the animals as well as to hear firsthand, the hopeful outlook this Farm has given to so many. Academy Farms gives first time, eye opening experiences, to many who have never been touched by the farming life while providing a hopeful opportunity that could turn into so much more than a recovery position. As quoted directly from one of the residents “I don’t plan to leave here, I plan to be hired and employed here for my future. This is an unbelievable place and I enjoy it so much”, as he jumped into the water buffalo pen to give pets and tummy rubs to his favourite buffalo named “Lemon”.

How inspiring to see what John Volken is doing with this farm. This is the epitome of good faith. We urge you to go check out Academy Farms. Their market is filled with delicious meats, cheeses, and more. Take your kids in case you can sneak a peak at the animals. Ask to see Apollo; he is a massive and beautiful Bison that is a special piece of the farm.