Eston, Saskatchewan, June 22, 2005 – The Eston and District Volunteer Fire Department is benefiting from the Farm Credit Canada (FCC) AgriSpirit Fund with a donation of $20,000.

Through the FCC AgriSpirit Fund, the Eston Fire Department will be acquiring a new truck to effectively service the community, and in particular the rural district.  The new truck will provide more protection for farm operators and rural residents both for their property, equipment and crops.

“We’re proud to give even more back to rural Canada and to the community of Eston where our customers and employees live and work,” says FCC District Manager Duane Ring. “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 Eston and District a great place to live.”

“The Volunteer Fire Department has a proud history of serving the communities and has the support of four municipalities in their operation.  They are an example of rural co-operation at its finest. An investment by FCC in this project will make a major difference in the quality of life for agricultural producers in the area,” said Gary Johnson, Town Administrator.

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:

Duane Ring
Farm Credit Canada
District Manager
(306) 773-2991

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