Those comments, he says, were like a red rag to a bull.
In two years, his Maize Maze has helped to raise more than $20,000 for the Cancer Society.
People from around the South Island have travelled to the maze on the Studholme farm for the opportunity to experience terror without danger, as actors hide in areas of the maze to frighten people as they make their way through the dark fields.
Mr Foley has gone on to do more horror-themed charitable work for various groups and individuals in South Canterbury, organising the Shadow Exhibition, the Waimate Hospital Horror Asylum and the Waimate Zombie Run.
Last week, he was honoured as a ''Local Hero'' in Canterbury, as part of the Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Awards 2015.
He was presented with a medal at a special ceremony at Addington Raceway in Christchurch, for his selflessness and fundraising efforts, which have had a profound effect on the lives of so many.
As a result of his horror-themed events, the Cancer Society, Waimate Centennial School, and members of the community have benefited to the tune of several tens of thousands of dollars.
Mr Foley, who has the word ''freedom'' tattooed on his right arm, said he could neverconsider doing any of it for profit.
''For me, it's to help others achieve their dreams, so they can have their freedom, and to give back to the community is just great,'' he said.
He said he recognised a need to create different and ''fun'' ways of fundraising and an opportunity to create something new for young people in South Canterbury.
''You could walk down the street and put a few coins in a bucket and carry on, or you could go out into a maize field and run around while someone chases you with a chainsaw, or walk through an asylum where psychotic clowns come out at you, or be chased by zombies,'' he said.
He expressed his gratitude to the Waimate community for the nomination for the award and for the support they had shown him over the past two years.
Mr Foley is now in the running to become the national winner of the Local Heroes Award.
This month, a judging panel will announce 10 Local Heroes semifinalists.
In the New Year, three of the semifinalists will be short-listed to attend the New Zealander of the Year Gala Awards.
Also in the running is Derek Beveridge, of Oamaru, who was named as an Otago ''Local Hero'' last month.
Mr Beveridge retired from the police force in 2008, after 48 years' service.
He was nominated for his involvement in community safety as a restorative justice co-ordinator for Project Turnaround in North Otago, working with offenders and victims of crimes.
