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Turning pumpkins into charity

TJ Omelchenko has been in the pumpkin business for the past three years. He's built up a regular clientele for his crop, experimented with different varieties and is planning to expand next year.
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Seven-year-old TJ Omelchenko shares the profits of his pumpkin patch with a different charity every year. This year, he bought stuffed animals for children who had to stay at the Battlefords Union Hospital during the holidays.

TJ Omelchenko has been in the pumpkin business for the past three years. He's built up a regular clientele for his crop, experimented with different varieties and is planning to expand next year.

Like many business owners, TJ also gives back to the community - every year he's spent a portion of his profit on a charity of his choosing.

You should also know that TJ is seven years old.

"He's kind of a little business person," said his mom, Sharon.

"At the time we thought it would be good for him to learn you've got to work for money, it doesn't grow on trees," she said.

Sharon and her husband, Rocky, have taught TJ what they call the three S philosophy; spending, saving and sharing.

"When he was little we wanted him to learn that you can spend some, but you should save some too and always give to people who are less fortunate," she said.

With the money from his first crop, TJ bought a toy for the Empty Stocking Fund. The second year, he bought dog and cat food for the animal shelter. This year, he bought stuffed animals for children who had to go to the Battlefords Union Hospital over Christmas.

"I like helping charity," said TJ, adding he enjoys shopping for items to put in Christmas shoeboxes, which his family does every year.

"It'll be interesting to see what he comes up with next year," said Sharon.

TJ doesn't know what charity he'll help out next year, but he does know one thing for sure.

"I'm going to plant even more pumpkins," he said. "Every year I get even more pumpkins."

TJ said he enjoys caring for his crop and reaping the benefits.

"My favourite is we keep some of them to carve," added TJ, saying he likes to keep the biggest pumpkin from every crop.

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