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We launched the FBN® Community First Program to help our Canadian members give back to the communities that mean so much to them.
Below are six exciting projects selected to benefit from the Community First program last year, including initiatives to keep local kids active and safe, activities for seniors to thrive in their golden years, and plans that showcase Canada’s natural landscape to attract tourists.
When farmers made input purchases through FBN in 2023, a percentage of those purchases was set aside to fund regional FBN Community First Programs across Canada. To apply for funding through the program, FBN farmer members submitted proposals describing a project of importance to their local community, which were then reviewed by FBN leadership and local account executives in that region.
Canada is home to the most lakes in the world, so it’s important that its residents learn water safety and how to swim. An inspector’s report revealed, though, that Mariapolis’ current pool needed to permanently close.
The Louise Aquatic Center is working to raise as much of the funds needed for its pool project so that locals have access to a modern facility without taxes being raised. Construction has already begun, and the pool is set to open in July 2024.
“Our pool has been a cornerstone of the RM for 50+ years with generations of families coming to public swim, exercise classes and lessons,” says Joedy Desrochers, the farmer and FBN member championing this project. “It is a place for building relationships, encouraging physical activity, offering youth local jobs and convenience in our rural location.”
Hockey is perhaps the sport most associated with Canada, but it can be an expensive sport to play. In contrast, basketball doesn’t require a lot of special gear or an ice rink. Unfortunately, the basketball court in the town of Moosomin is too small and dilapidated.
The new basketball court is a place where the whole community can play. As well, it offers space for the growing pickleball sport that is popular among the town’s senior population.
“Our goal is to have a basketball court full every night of the week!” says local farmer and FBN member Jeff Skulmoski, who is championing this project. “The town of Moosomin hosts a wonderful Filipino community that love the game of basketball. This new outdoor court will bring our local communities together as the Filipino community wants to host outdoor basketball tournaments in the summer months.”
As its name suggests, Lake Lenore takes pride in its lake, where the locals gather to enjoy time out on the water. However, the boat launch is no longer usable for medium-sized and larger boats because of recent flooding.
The Lake Lenore Wildlife Federation is working to build a boat launch that everyone in the community can use. With access to the fresh water, people will be able to enjoy more time in the great outdoors.
“Who doesn't like spending the evening out behind the wakeboard, tube, or jigging for Walleye?” asks Chris Bauer, the local farmer and FBN member championing this project. “As a local board member in charge of this area, I would like to ensure the public can get their boats in the water safely and effectively.”
Known as the “land of the living skies,” the Saskatchewan town of Shaunavon features the wild beauty of the badlands, rippling creeks, and working ranches. Shaunavon Wellness and Leisure is part of its rich tapestry of community-minded programming and facilities.
Shaunavon Wellness and Leisure provides a recreation center that creates more opportunities for the community to come together. In particular, it offers winter recreational activities for young children while their older siblings are out on the ice rink.
People from around the world flock to Alberta for its skiing. The legendary snowy mountain makes for memorable experiences for locals and tourists alike.
Worsley Clear Hills Ski Club is undergoing maintenance of its hill and chairlift haul rope. Volunteers and lower-wage workers manage the small community operation, which provides winter leisure activities.
The small town of Nanton became popularly known as Tap Town when in the 1900s it began giving drivers on Highway 2 bottles of its pure water. Today, the Nanton Golf Club is part of how the agricultural town continues to establish a name for itself, offering locals and tourists a premier golf course nestled in the Foothills.
The Community First project works to get children out of the home and learn the game of golf at no cost to their families. It features a three-hole junior golf course, picnic tables, and two gazebos.
“These projects help keep the town viable and growing for the future,” says project champion, farmer, and FBN member Brad Berger.
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