COVID-19 is pushing a beloved 琉璃神社 therapy farm out of its home and into a new one.
Arion Therapeutic Farm announced it is selling its current property in the southeast part of the city and is now looking for another that is 鈥渕ore sustainable for our operation鈥.
The move comes as the farm suffered a 54 per cent decrease in revenue due to the pandemic. Normally, the farm has about 50 weekly therapy clients, which slowed down to only a handful.
鈥淰arious efforts to raise income through other means is met with ongoing bylaw restrictions and/or insurance increases. We have hired numerous business professionals and experts in marketing but to no avail,鈥 the farm said in a statement.
The farm鈥檚 owners said they have tried to cut back on expenses as much as possible, but this didn鈥檛 help either.
鈥淕iven we are already not breaking even in the busy season, we can safely expect this trend to continue into next year.鈥
Arion has been able to remain open for the time being in part due to volunteers and donations and will remain open until further notice.
There is no word yet on where or when the farm will move.
Black Press Media has reached out to Arion Therapeutic Farm. This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
READ: 琉璃神社 farm continues to offer natural, safe space during pandemic