Terrace, British Columbia, August 22, 2005 – The Totem Saddle Club is benefiting from the Farm Credit Canada (FCC) AgriSpirit Fund with a donation of $5,000.

The Totem Saddle Club is assisting in the construction of the Skeena Valley Exhibition Arena.  This arena will provide community grounds, facilities and equipment that will be used by horse people for the surrounding communities. One aspect of the renovations is the construction of a covered riding arena that will alleviate some of the restrictions the community faces from weather conditions. This is a great asset and a positive boost for the community as more riders and youth will have the opportunity to train year round with local coaches and clinics.

“We would like to thank Cathy Jackson. For inviting us into the community of Terrace to give back to rural Canada and specifically to Northern BC,” says FCC District Manager Lloyd Riekman. “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 Northern BC a great place to work and live.”

“Last winter we applied to Farm Credit Canada's AgriSpirit Fund for a donation, to be put towards our Skeena Valley Exhibition Arena,” says Cathy Jackson Vice President, Totem Saddle Club.  “We were very pleased to hear from them with a commitment for $5,000. I can't believe how easy to deal with and supportive they have been, right from filling out the form. It is a welcome change after the last few years on the slow fundraising trail! Thank-you Farm Credit!”

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 and $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:

Lloyd Riekman
Farm Credit Canada
District Manager
(604) 870-2703

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