A Niagara-on-the-Lake florist is selling cactus gardens to support a cause that hits close to home.

Cactus gardens are for sale at Van Noort Florists throughout July and August, with all of the proceeds being donated to Epilepsy Toronto. 

The cacti cost $20 to $40 and those looking to purchase one can contact the studio at 905-468-7815.

“Our goal is $10,000 by Sept. 1,” said Sharon Van Noort, owner of Van Noort Florists.

Proceeds will go toward research on epilepsy through Epilepsy Toronto. Her son, Eric, had his first seizure on July 4, 2016, and she said it has been life-changing for her family.

“They do a lot, they support so much,” she said. “We want our (donation) to go into research.”

“There is so much unknown about epilepsy.”

She said all of the doctors at Toronto Western Hospital and support groups for people living with epilepsy are amazing, which is why the fundraiser aims to support the organization.

Van Noort Florists was also selling Big Smiles Lip-reading masks, donated by Niagara-on-the-Lake resident Amy Post, in support of the fundraiser. https://tinyurl.com/yclr9otm  

As of July 14, the campaign had raised $600.

Van Noort said the florist shop will also be holding sales in coming weeks in support of the fundraiser, with the first on the weekend of July 25 and 26.