FCC invests $500,000 in rural Canada - Manitoba
Brandon, Manitoba, February 6, 2008 – Rural community groups across Canada will receive $500,000 in total for local capital projects, courtesy of Farm Credit Canada's (FCC) AgriSpirit fund.
The FCC AgriSpirit fund was established in 2004 and has enhanced the quality of life in 130 Canadian communities with populations fewer than 100,000.
“We're proud of the work made possible through our AgriSpirit fund,” Michael Hoffort, FCC Vice-President, Prairie Operations says. “Judging by the number of applications we received this year, there's a definite need in rural communities for help with projects such as recreation centres, care homes, playground facilities and many others.”
Across Canada, 58 projects were chosen to receive AgriSpirit funding this year. These projects include: Bibliothèque Allard Library, Lundar School Playground, Eriksdale Volunteer Fire Department, Elkhorn School Beautification Project and McAuley Fire Department Upgrade Project. Please see the attached backgrounder for more information on specific projects.
“The AgriSpirit fund is an important way that FCC gives back to communities,” Hoffort says. “It's an honour to fund projects such as enhancing a park pool, purchasing needed volunteer fire department equipment or making improvements to a local rink.”
While this year's projects have been chosen, interested community groups will have another opportunity to access the FCC AgriSpirit fund. Applications will be accepted for 2008 from May 1 to July 16. Visit www.AgriSpirit.ca for eligibility requirements and more information.
FCC is Canada's largest provider of business and financial services to farms and agribusiness. Operating out of 100 offices located primarily in rural Canada, FCC employees are passionate about the business of agriculture. A healthy portfolio of more than $13 billion and 14 consecutive years of portfolio growth are a reflection of our customers' success.
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For more information, please contact:
Robin Glennie (English)
Corporate Communication
Farm Credit Canada
306-780-6987
Renate Maslany (bilingual)
Corporate Communication
Farm Credit Canada
306-780-8583
Background
Bibliothèque Allard Library
The Bibliothèque Allard Library is currently located in a local school, however enrolment has increased and the school needs the space to accommodate classes. A $10,000 contribution from the FCC AgriSpirit Fund will go towards building a vibrant, new library in the heart of the R.M. of Alexander.
For more information about this project, please contact:
Diane Dubé at 204-367-9970
Wade Nerbas, Relationship Manager in Steinbach, at 204-346-6360
Lundar School Playground
The Lundar Parent Advisory Committee received $5,000 from Farm Credit Canada toward a new play structure at the school. The current structure is obsolete and potentially unsafe. During the day, school children and kids from the local daycare will benefit from the new structure and after hours, the whole community will enjoy it.
For more information about this project, contact:
Alann Murray at 204-762-5610
Anna-Marie Smith, Relationship Manager in Arborg, at 204-376-3505
Eriksdale Volunteer Fire Department
The Eriksdale Volunteer Fire Department received $5,000 from Farm Credit Canada toward the purchase of a 4,000 gallon tanker truck that will increase their ability to effectively fight fires in the rural municipality and surrounding farming communities. This group has been fundraising for five years, and they are excited about the prospect of making a purchase this year.
For more information about this project, contact:
Brian McKinnon at 204-739-0159
Anna-Marie Smith, Relationship Manager in Arborg, at 204-376-3505
Elkhorn School Beautification Project
The Elkhorn School Advisory Council was awarded $7,000 from the FCC AgriSpirit Fund toward the beautification of the outside of the school. There is currently no landscaping in front of the school, and the advisory wants the outside of the school to reflect the pride and commitment to excellence that can be found indoors. There will be benches, shrubbery and a large sign to announce upcoming events in the school and community.
For more information about this project, contact:
Monica Pethick at 204-722-2186
Jennifer Chant, Relationship Manager in Virden, at 204-748-4152
McAuley Fire Department Upgrade Project
The McAuley Volunteer Fire Department received $14,000 from Farm Credit Canada to upgrade existing equipment and purchase new lifesaving equipment and tools. The fire department will now be better equipped to deal with local fires and accidents, while residents in and around McAuley will enjoy increased confidence and peace of mind.
For more information about this project, contact:
Charles Barkley at 204-722-2211
Laurie Gilbertson, Relationship Manager in Virden, at 204-748-4150
