The Lethbridge Corn Maze is showing its support for a local family who has left their life in Lethbridge to help sick children.

The corn maze started its annual fundraisers in hopes of bringing support to the Thiessen family.

The family of surgeons packed up their life and moved to Togo, Africa to help start a hospital. Though the hospital lacks in equipment and skill, the annual fundraiser is designed to bring in extra funds to add needed equipment and doctors.

Theo Slingerland started doing fundraisers upon the opening of the corn maze 18 years ago and said it is important to give thanks to those who help others.

“Well, it’s a way for us to say thank you and also for the people that have come throughout the whole year to say thank you, we have dedicated this day for that. We want to help people that are less fortunate or need more help,” Slingerland said.

Slingerland explained how the Thiessen family has been a part of the Lethbridge community for years and deserves the community’s support.

Slingerland says Jesh Theissen is a practiced surgeon and is proud of the good name and support Thiessen is providing for people in need.

Theo’s son Michael Slingerland, a corn maze employee, talked about the importance of reaching out to people in other countries.

“I think it’s a really good thing, I think it’s good to not only receive, but to give. It’s very important to help those not only in our country, but also in lots of other countries as well,” he said.

Michael said the corn maze fully stands behind the Thiessen family and is wanting to help in any way they can.

The corn maze will be open until Oct. 26 and will be accepting donations until they close.

Along with this, the corn maze will be opening every Friday and Saturday in December to host “Christmas on the Farm.” The corn maze will be accepting donations during “Christmas on the Farm” with all proceeds going to support the Thiessen family.