THUNDER BAY, ON – Cargill recently presented its Cargill Cares Volunteer Award to Vera Blumberg, Cargill Thunder Bay office support staff for her head officeoutstanding volunteer service and contribution to the Lake Superior Ski Division – Alpine. Over the past 3 years, Vera has volunteered over 325 hours to the organization. During this time, Vera has been active in extensive fundraising events, and this year, took over the position of Race Administrator which involved dedicating a considerable amount of time to organizing and planning the Ontario Provincial Championship Races for K1’s which were held in Thunder Bay in March 2005 for 151 racers ages 11 and 12.

The Cargill Cares Volunteer Award is given as recognition for volunteer efforts by Cargill employees in their local community. When an employee wins the award, the organization they volunteer with also receives a monetary donation in that employee’s name. This award is given out three times each year to Cargill employees and retirees all over the world.

To recognize his Vera ’s commitment to the community, Cargill has contributed $1,000 US to the Lake Superior Ski Division - Alpine. Bill WilfordSh e is among a special group of more than 400 Cargill employees and retirees around the world to receive a Cargill Cares Volunteer award since its inception in 1998.

“This award is recognition that Vera Blumberg is a tremendous leader for her community, and that we want to support her ongoing efforts,” said Robert Meijer, Cargill Cares Committee Member, and Director of Public Affairs, Cargill, Limited. “The Cargill Cares Volunteer Award program is just one way that we look to acknowledge and thank our valued employees for their dedication and contribution to our local communities.”

Cargill’s donation will be used to support our local aspiring athletes from the grass roots level, Nancy Greene Program, through to the Ontario Ski Team. The Lake Superior Ski Division’s objectives are to promote, foster and teach the sport of alpine ski racing in the region, to provide the appropriate programs, coaching, facilities and equipment for both competitive and recreational ski racing and to encourage self-development, leadership and sportsmanship to children and adults alike.

“Cargill encourages our employees and retirees to give back to the community where they live and work, and is proud of the unselfish ways in which they enrich our communities to the benefit of children, families, and senior citizens,” said Len Penner, President, Cargill AgHorizons. “We are pleased to recognize her efforts by supporting the local community.”

To honour her ongoing work in the community, Brian Marrion, Operations Manager, Cargill Thunder Bay will be awarding Vera Blumberg with a Cargill Cares Volunteer Award plaque and also present her with the donation for the Lake Superior Ski Division - Alpine. The award and presentation took place at noon on Friday June 17 th, at __the Thunder Bay facility so all employees can extend their congratulations. Larry Mayell, chairman of the Lake Superior Ski Division – Alpine was in attendance.

“I volunteer for the ski division because I see how beneficial it is for children to be involved in a competitive sport. It teaches them discipline, motivation, dedication, physical fitness, time management and sportsmanship. These are valuable attributes that these children can carry with them for the rest of their lives,” said Vera Blumberg, award recipient.