‘Ernie's (Im)mature’ a special cheese to launch charity
A NEW charity has been founded in memory of Ernie Backlund-Leale and among its first fundraising initiatives is the creation of a special cheese by Guernsey Dairy.
Ernie’s Angels is named after the Guernsey boy who lost his battle with leukaemia earlier this year.
Cheese has been chosen to raise funds since Ernie was a regular visitor to Guernsey Dairy, loved cheese and, according to production manager Dave Domaille, became something of an unofficial mascot over the years.
In April, Ernie made what would be his final visit to the Dairy, with the whole place coming to a standstill to make a presentation.
‘In my 29 years here I have never seen that happen before. Don’t tell anyone, but it brought a tear to my eye,’ said Mr Domaille.
He said when they were approached about the possibility of getting involved with Ernie’s Angels it was a ‘no-brainer’.
The Dairy is donating 100% of its profits from producing the cheese to Ernie’s Angels and the production team have volunteered to give up their free time to pack and label it to ensure it is on everyone’s cheeseboard over the festive period.
Ernie’s mum, Clare Backlund-Leale, said she couldn’t thank the Dairy enough.
‘Ernie would have loved it, it’s just such a shame he’s not here to see it.’
She said if it had been Ernie’s choice, he would have opted for the mature cheese – but, as the joker in the pack, the words mature and Ernie just did not fit.
‘Immature’ seemed much more appropriate and features as (im)mature on the packaging.
Roughly 3,000 packs of the cheese have been produced. It is available in stores across the island.
Full story in today's Guernsey Press
