Paige Seburn
Special to Niagara Now/The Lake Report

Kent Heritage Farms has been a local staple for decades.

And Paul Kent, the owner and operator of the family-run business, sees it as an emotional legacy.

Established as a poultry producer in 1958 by his Romanian mother Roza and Hungarian father Paul Sr., the business has grown to offer a diverse range of all-natural, drug-free products, including air-chilled poultry, Berkshire pork, Wagyu burgers and more.

His daughter Rebecca manages sales remotely from Israel and his grandson Carson helps out when he’s not in school. They represent the third and fourth generations’ involvement in the family enterprise.

Kent’s family legacy extends beyond the business, however, thanks to a tradition of generosity passed down through generations.

His generosity was on display Sunday afternoon with the donation of a large, delicious buffet for the NOTL Horticultural Society’s “Grill and Chill” fundraiser on the Kent Heritage Farms property on Queenston Road in St. Davids.

As society president Cindy Grant told the crowd, the gathering supports various local horticultural projects, including two new scholarships, at Niagara College and the Niagara Parks School of Horticulture.

The organizers were delighted by the turnout for the barbecue which raised almost $2,000, said horticultural society vice-president Jo-Ann Fraser.

“The setting was pastoral, the food delicious” and a barbershop quartet from A Cappella Niagara entertained the crowd with four-part harmonies.

Garden coach Joanne Young, The Lake Report’s gardening columnist, gave a spirited and humorous presentation about the critical role of pollinator plants in supporting biodiversity and ensuring food security.

Her monologue included a “pollinator fashion show,” with society members donning plant-themed hats and parading pollinator plants among the crowd as Young explained how each one helps the environment.

Fraser noted, “Many remarked that they would be adding pollinator plants to their gardens, recognizing that these plants provide essential habitats and food sources for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators responsible for one out of every three bites of food we eat.”

As the host for the afternoon affair, Kent, a longtime member of the NOTL Masonic Lodge, credited his mother’s values of kindness and charity for his own commitment to giving back to the community.

“Anything I learned about kindness and charity came from my mother. I can’t take credit for anything,” he said. “Whatever she instilled in me, that’s what I have, and she’d be pleased.”

“She used to always say, ‘When there’s a party on the property, the property comes alive,'” said Kent, who’s also active in other local horticultural efforts.

“I’ve been very involved in the community most of my life: I grew up here,” he said. “I’m 72, I’m still working, I’m not retired and I’m still very active in the community.”

Wendy Cadman, the horticultural society director of membership, reflected on Kent’s years of goodwill and generosity.

“We’re very grateful,” she said.

She has seen his kindness and philanthropy for many years, and said his ongoing dedication not only honours his family’s legacy but also drives meaningful change in the community.