From farmer to community hero

$165,000 shared with 66 rural charities & not-for-profits across Canada through the Canada’s Farmers Grow Communities Program

WINNIPEG, Manitoba, Nov. 01, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The saying goes that “it’s better to give than to receive” and Canadian farmers had the opportunity to do just that by participating in the Canada’s Farmers Grow Communities Program in 2018.

Canada’s Farmers Grow Communities is sponsored by the Monsanto Fund, a philanthropic arm of Bayer. The program allows farmers to register to win $2,500 for their favourite community charity or not-for-profit organization. Charitable groups also offer suggestions online at www.canadasfarmers.ca, which farmers can consider in their application. 

The 2018 program received 758 farmer applications (a 68 per cent increase from 2017) and 337 charity suggestions (a 200 per cent increase from 2017) making this the most successful year yet since the program launched in 2012. Two winners were selected in each of 33 different regions in a random draw which took place on October 19, 2018 and managed by the program’s independent administrator, Agriculture in the Classroom – Manitoba.

“We are thrilled to see farmers and charities engaging in this program and thinking creatively about how to strengthen their communities,” said Trish Jordan, public & industry affairs director with Bayer’s Crop Science division. “There are so many worthwhile groups and projects in need of assistance in rural communities across the country. We know the funds will be put to good use for the benefit of all community members.”

The program received a wide variety of ideas from farmers on how local groups in their communities could benefit from the grants. Farmers recommended schools, libraries, historical societies, health and recreational facilities, rural daycares, senior clubs, 4-H groups, food banks and more. Some examples:

• Beaver County Victim Services in Tofield, AB. - “We are thrilled to have these funds! We plan to use them to help educate our rural youth on Internet Safety. If it eliminates one child from being taken advantage of on the internet, it’s worth it!”

• Humboldt Public School Childcare Centre in Humboldt, SK. – “We will be using this wonderful grant for buying indoor and outdoor equipment and materials to continue providing care for all our daycare children aged 6 weeks old until 12 years old!” 

• Hamiota Aquatic Centre in Hamiota, MB. – “After coming to the end of its life span of 20 years we are replacing the liner of the pool. Last season we saw over 650 kids go through our swim lessons, learning valuable life skills. We are a regional facility serving many municipalities with children coming from all over. This grant means so much to our community and those that surround us!” 

• Big Brothers Big Sisters of Clarington in Clarington, ON. – “We run many different types of mentoring programs which help children develop life changing relationships, while exposing them to new experiences which may open their eyes and minds, not only to what is, but also to what could be. All of this helps to raise self esteem and build resilience as our young people develop into productive members of our community.”

Farmers living and working in the Maritimes, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and Northeastern B.C. had from mid-January to the end of September to submit their entries by visiting the Canada’s Farmers website and completing an online application form.

To read more community stories or gather additional information about Canada’s Farmers Grow Communities visit www.canadasfarmers.ca or follow us on Twitter @CanadasFarmers.

About Bayer
Bayer is a global enterprise with core competencies in the Life Science fields of health care and agriculture. Its products and services are designed to benefit people and improve their quality of life. At the same time, the Group aims to create value through innovation, growth and high earning power. Bayer is committed to the principles of sustainable development and to its social and ethical responsibilities as a corporate citizen. In fiscal 2017, the Group employed around 99,800 people and had sales of EUR 35.0 billion. Capital expenditures amounted to EUR 2.4 billion, R&D expenses to EUR 4.5 billion. For more information, go to www.bayer.ca.

Contact:

Trish Jordan, Public & Industry Affairs Director
204-985-1005
Trish.Jordan@Bayer.com

Note: A complete listing of all 66 winning entrants, their farmer nominator and their community, is detailed below this news release.  

Forward-Looking Statements This news release may contain forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and forecasts made by Bayer management. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences between the actual future results, financial situation, development or performance of the company and the estimates given here. These factors include those discussed in Bayer’s public reports which are available on the Bayer website at www.bayer.com. The company assumes no liability whatsoever to update these forward-looking statements or to conform them to future events or developments.

Canada’s Farmers Grow Communities - 2018 Winners

ALBERTA WINNERS

SASKATCHEWAN WINNERS

MANITOBA WINNERS

ONTARIO WINNERS

QUEBEC WINNERS

MARITIMES WINNERS