Hamiota, Manitoba, August 22, 2005 – The Hamiota Aquatic Centre is benefiting from the Farm Credit Canada (FCC) AgriSpirit Fund with a donation of $5,000.

Through the FCC AgriSpirit Fund, the Hamiota Aquatic Centre is receiving assistance in purchasing educational tools, lifesaving equipment and enhancing their current pool facility. This Aquatic Centre is the only regional facility within a 45 to 50 mile radius that offers aquatic programming. These improvements will enhance the quality of programming and leisure time for all residents of Hamiota and the surrounding communities.

“We’re proud to give even more back to rural Canada and to the community of Hamiota where our customers and employees live and work,” says FCC District Manager Tom Harland. “The enthusiasm of Canadians is evident in the projects that are being created in our rural communities. It’s that spirit and passion that makes Manitoba a great place to live.”

"Every item purchased using the FCC AgriSpirit Fund assists in educating, training and providing quality instruction of water safety to Hamiota and surrounding area children,” says Bonnie Michaudville, Recreation Director for the Hamiota Aquatic Centre.

From the 489 applications received this past winter, FCC selected 38 projects from across Canada.

In November 2004, FCC announced the AgriSpirit Fund. This Fund awarded $400,000 towards capital projects for rural communities with populations under 100,000. These projects will receive between $5,000 to $25,000 to create or enhance facilities in their community. A significant amount of time and consideration went into each evaluation including how the project would make a difference in the community.

The FCC AgriSpirit Fund will continue for a second year. Details regarding the eligibility criteria and application process will be posted this fall through the FCC website at www.fcc-fac.ca.

Operating out of 100 offices located primarily in rural Canada, FCC employees are passionate about the business of agriculture. FCC's healthy portfolio of more than $11 billion and 12 consecutive years of portfolio growth are a reflection of our customers' success.

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For more information, please contact:

Tom Harland
Farm Credit Canada
District Manager
(204) 726-7674

Nadine Hakim
Farm Credit Canada (Bilingual)
Corporate Communications
(306) 780-8572