AgriSpirit builds rural communities

Regina, Saskatchewan, October 3, 2005 – The Farm Credit Canada (FCC) AgriSpirit Fund will once again support projects in rural Canada with $400,000 in donations.
 
The AgriSpirit Fund enhances communities by providing funds to support local capital projects. FCC launched it last year and 38 projects across Canada were selected to receive financial contributions. These included the purchase of emergency services equipment and contributions towards building cultural and recreation centres.

“We received nearly 500 applications last year, well beyond our expectations,“ Clem Samson, FCC Vice-President, Operations says. “We’re proud to offer the AgriSpirit Fund for a second year and assist with community projects. And our goal remains the same — to enhance rural Canada.”

Community leaders and volunteers from across the country are encouraged to review the new eligibility criteria and apply for funding through the FCC website at www.fcc-fac.ca in the About Us section. Only on-line applications will be accepted and will be available from October 3, 2005 to November 15, 2005. Each project funded will receive a donation ranging between $5,000 and $25,000. Projects receiving donations will be announced in spring 2006.

“The Eston and District Volunteer Fire Department (Saskatchewan) 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, a recipient of a $20,000 donation from the 2004-05 FCC AgriSpirit Fund.

"The Ashern Daycare (Manitoba) was very excited to discover that they were the recipients of $10,000 from FCC towards the construction of a new facility", said Maria Warrener, Director, Ashern Daycare Co-op Inc. "The daycare will serve three rural municipalities, and will be able to provide care for infants, pre-school and school-aged children. BSE and adverse weather conditions have put a tremendous amount of stress upon the farm families in our area and our daycare provides a safe place for children to come and to forget about these issues. The funds have been a moral boost for our organization as we continue with our fundraising efforts for this large project.”

Operating out of 100 offices located primarily in rural Canada, FCC employees are passionate about the business of agriculture. FCC is self-sustaining and profits are reinvested back into agriculture, developing loans, services and programs to benefit the industry. 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 about FCC's AgriSpirit Fund click here, or contact:

Melanie Lightfoot
Farm Credit Canada (English)
Communication Consultant
306-780-6987

Mireille Bilodeau VongPhit
Farm Credit Canada (Bilingual)
Communication Consultant
306-780-8630