Unique Coalition Contributes More than $50,000 to Charitable Organizations

November 20, 2008

NORTH BATTLEFORD, Saskatchewan–A coalition of businesses, along with local residents, have come together to provide funding to Battlefords Empty Stocking Fund and the Canadian FoodGrain Bank via a unique donation: the value of 160 acres of this fall’s canola harvest. Earlier this year, North Battleford canola producers Jim and Selina Rogers enlisted the support of area individuals and agribusinesses to help maximize the dollar value of the Rogers’ 2008 canola harvest, resulting in a $26,691.71 cash donation to each of the charities.

Contributions consisted of Cargill donating fertilizer, KARE Ag donating chemicals and spraying to treat the land, Monsanto providing the seed and Roundup Ready® technology, Kevin Jarrett of Lane Realty Corp making a financial contribution to support the program, Bill Geates donating signage for the field, and the Roger’s farming crew donating work time to help seed and harvest the crop. The crop was harvested in September and then sold, representing a major contribution to the two charities.

When asked about the decision to donate to the food banks via his canola harvest, Mr. Rogers replied, "I remember a presentation given by the Canadian FoodGrain Bank’s David Meier on how his organization helps out those less fortunate in other countries, and I thought, why can't we do the same thing for those less fortunate in our own community?"

• "This large donation to the Battlefords District Food and Resource Centre will help us to keep our doors open to assist needy families in the Battlefords,” said Bill Hall, executive director of Battlefords District Food and Resource Centre. "We would like to thank all those who have been involved in this project to help the less fortunate of our community."

About Battlefords District Food and Resource Centre: