By Alice McFarlane

BASF provides $100,000 four rural Canadian organizations to support local initiatives

Apr 30, 2024 | 4:03 PM

After a close race, four communities across Canada were named the winners of BASF’s Growing Home program and are each awarded $25,000 to be used to fund initiatives that promote the health and sustainability of rural communities.

Growing Home with BASF was launched in Western Canada in 2023 to give back to the communities where BASF customers live. This year, the program expanded to include Ontario in addition to the prairie provinces.

This year’s program received 624 nominations from growers, which were narrowed down to 12 finalists – three each in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario.

The voting to determine the winners was opened to the public for a two-week period, allowing finalist organizations to rally support from their networks. Roughly 135,000 votes were received for the finalists.

The curling rink in the hamlet of Erskine, Alta. was built in 1953 and offers lessons to the school children as part of their physical education classes and is run by curling league member volunteers. The Erskine Curling Club also supports their local 4-H Beef Club, providing space for the club to run its meetings. The curling club needs major renovations.

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Abbey Curling Club was established decades ago and is a hub of activity during the winter months for the rural community in southwest Saskatchewan. Citizens of all ages look forward to winters at the rink as a place to socialize and get active. The club offers regular league curling, youth clinics and after-school programs, 4-H playdowns and various bonspiels throughout the winter. During the 2023-2024 season, the compressor broke down and requires extensive repair. The funds from Growing Home will support the club’s plans to have the repairs completed by fall 2024.

The St. Jean Fire Department is a volunteer-based fire department in Manitoba dedicated to protecting the community and surrounding area in times of need. They are also very active in the community, volunteering at numerous events including the Annual St. Jean ATV Derby, one of the largest organized off-road rallies in Canada. The fire department is currently confronted with the pressing challenge of replacing their self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), which are no longer certified as the manufacturer has abruptly discontinued the sales and service of their SCBA lineup. Receiving $25,000 through BASF will be used to help purchase new units.

Three Oaks Cabin was founded in 2022, following the sudden and tragic loss of Dalles Bergsma, who was a farmer and volunteer first responder in his rural Ontario community. Three Oaks Cabin was created to provide a quiet place where farmers and first responders can find refuge from the stress and anxiety that accompanies their livelihoods. Three Oaks Cabin’s mission is to enhance and support the mental, emotional and spiritual well-being of individuals primarily involved in the agricultural and first responder communities who are struggling with stress and anxiety.

Leta LaRush, Vice President of Business Management at BASF said this is the second year of Growing Home and they were inspired by the positive impact they have on their communities.

“The outstanding participation in the program showcases how important these organizations are to the fabric of our rural and agricultural communities. As a committed partner in agriculture, we’re proud to help these communities grow and thrive through programs like Growing Home,” LaRush said.

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alice.mcfarlane@pattisonmedia.com

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