Community rallies to help Smithville greenhouse owner

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Rex Ge and his wife Yafei have spent the past 13 years putting in 14 hour days to build their Smithville greenhouse business. But all that work was wiped out one freezing night in February, when Niagara Peninsula energy shut off the power for an 364 dollar overdue bill. Compounding Rex’s problems, days ago he broke his leg.

He says Niagara Peninsula Energy has offered nothing. “Never called to say sorry you know?”

Laura Fevez owns the Dresser Drawer Clothing shop down the street from Rex Ge. “I was disgusted, I was completely and utterly disgusted. They can take someone’s livelihood for being overdue 364 dollars? It’s disgusting.” Fevez has opened a bank account for Rex, and started a gofundme page called Rally for Rex.

Scott Antonides, a teacher at Smithville Christian High School was so moved by Rex Ge’s plight, he went to meet him and is encouraging his students to help.

“Many of them have experience in the greenhouse business, and they’re eager to help a neighbour get back on his feet – something a healthy community does when someone is down.”

A lot of people are starting to think about planting season. Customers are coming by, but Rex has turn them away because he’s got little to sell. They have some new plantings in the front of the greenhouse, but the back is still in ruins. People are offering labour and cash.

Rex was overwhelmed when he saw the greenhouse damage, but he’s even more overwhelmed by the community’s effort to help him out. “I can’t understand people being so warm hearted.”

A crowdfunding site has been set up to help Rex. You can click this link, or you can donate at any Bank of Montreal, account number 03262-3983-612.