Growing Home with BASF 2024 winners announced

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Growers across Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Ontario have selected four winners in Growing Home with BASF, an  initiative launched by the company in 2023 to give back to the communities where BASF customers live, work and play.

The 2024 winners, selected from 624 nominations from growers, include Alberta’s Erskine Curling Club, Saskatchewan’s Abbey Curling Club, Manitoba’s St. Jean Baptiste Volunteer Fire Department, and Ontario’s Three Oaks Respite Cabin. Each winner receives a $25,000 contribution from BASF to help fund initiatives that promote the health and sustainability of rural communities.

In true community spirit, voting to determine the Growing Home with BASF winners was opened to the public for a two-week period, allowing finalist organizations to rally support from their networks. A total of 135,908 votes were received for the finalists.

“The tight-knit communities represented in this program are the heartbeat of rural Canada,” said Leta LaRush, Vice President, Business Management at BASF. “In the second year of Growing Home with BASF, we were incredibly inspired by each organization nominated and the positive impact they have on their communities.”

Here are the stories of the four winners:

Erskine Curling Club (Alberta) — Erskine Curling Rink was built in 1953 and is the heart of the Erskine community. The curling club teaches the Erskine school children curling lessons as part of their physical education classes and is run by curling league member volunteers. They also support their local Erskine 4-H Beef Club, providing space for the club to run its meetings. The curling club is in need of major renovations to keep the building operational and thriving for future generations.

St. Jean Baptiste Volunteer Fire Department (Manitoba) — The St. Jean Fire Department is a volunteer-based fire department dedicated to protecting the community and surrounding area in times of need. They are also very active in the community, volunteering at numerous events including the annual St. Jean ATV Derby, one of the largest organized off-road rallies in Canada. The fire department is currently confronted with the pressing challenge of replacing their self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), which is no longer certified. Receiving $25,000 through Growing Home with BASF will help the department purchase new units to continue serving their community.

Abbey Curling Club (Saskatchewan) — Abbey Curling Club was established decades ago and is a hub of activity during the winter months for the rural community of Abbey in southwest Saskatchewan. Citizens of all ages look forward to winters at the rink as a place to socialize and get active. The club offers regular league curling, youth clinics and after-school programs, 4-H playdowns and various bonspiels throughout the winter. Unfortunately, during the 2023-2024 season, the compressor broke down and requires extensive repair. The funds from Growing Home with BASF will support the club’s plans to have the repairs completed by fall 2024.

Three Oaks Respite Cabin (Ontario) — Three Oaks Cabin was founded in 2022, following the sudden and tragic loss of Dalles Bergsma, who was a proud farmer and volunteer first responder in his rural Ontario community. Three Oaks Cabin was created to provide a quiet place where farmers and first responders can find refuge from the stress and anxiety that accompanies their livelihoods. Three Oaks Cabin’s mission is to enhance and support the mental, emotional and spiritual well-being of individuals primarily involved in the agricultural and first responder communities who are struggling with stress and anxiety.

“We’re thankful to work with growers and retail partners who are so passionate about their communities, and we are excited to give back to each of the finalists for Growing Home with BASF this year,” says LaRush “The outstanding participation in the program showcases how important these organizations are to the fabric of our rural and agricultural communities. As a committed partner in agriculture, we’re proud to help these communities grow and thrive through programs like Growing Home with BASF.”

 

 

 

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