Manitoba Ag Days gives back
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- Published on Thursday, October 29, 2015
By Andrea Guthrie
Media Co-ordinator
Manitoba Ag Days Inc. is pleased to announce their community giving program. Manitoba Ag Days is a three-day agricultural show bringing together all levels of the industry and highlighting the newest products and innovations. More than 500 exhibitors and more than 50,000 patrons gather in Brandon every January to take in Canada’s largest indoor farm show. Branded as 100% Pure Farm, the organization has taken it one step further by launching Manitoba Ag Days’ community giving program.
“As a not-for-profit organization, we want to continue to positively impact the lives of our exhibitors and patrons,” says chairman Dave Laudin.
In the past, Manitoba Ag Days has supported the educational component with a number of scholarships available through University of Manitoba, Assiniboine Community College and the Manitoba chapter for Agriculture In the Classroom.
“The educational component is still very important to our organization and we will continue to support our youth in the industry. We are now taking our commitment to agriculture one step further and have added a community improvement category. We want to share some of the show’s success with the individuals that make it successful, by allowing communities and organizations the opportunity to apply for funds to help support valuable projects and initiatives in the heart of our agriculture industry.”
In 2013 the show started a 50/50 raffle which has raised more than $34,000 in the last two years. Proceeds have gone to organizations such as STARS, 4-H Manitoba, Manitoba Youth Beef Roundup and Manitoba Rural and Support Services.
The community improvement category is made up of capital/upgrade projects, agriculture/heritage and safety/emergency services.
“As a board, we felt these were three areas that are necessary for rural communities to continue to grow and thrive.”
If your community has projects such as playgrounds, renovations to a recreation facility, emergency services needing new equipment, or an annual fair or event that need supports, please apply. Over the next six weeks organizations throughout the Prairies will have an opportunity to apply for the proceeds raised from the 50/50 funds. Interested candidates for both categories (education and community improvement) can visit www.agdays.com for further information on the application process.
“Over the last 10 years approximately $200,000 has been given to a number of different organizations and individuals and we look forward to further growing that value! We will continue to pay it forward in agriculture,” says Laudin.
