AgriSpirit builds rural communities

Calgary, Alberta, 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,“ Larry Martina, FCC Vice-President, and 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.

“When Farm Credit Canada came forward to help with our project through a financial donation and volunteer time we realized just how big and far-reaching our project was and just how community-minded their organization is,” Amber Zary says. Amber is the Director of Library Services for the Vegreville Public Library in Alberta, a recipient of a $15,000 donation from the 2004-05 FCC AgriSpirit Fund for their facility expansion project.

“Last winter we applied to Farm Credit Canada's AgriSpirit Fund for a donation, to be put towards our Skeena Valley Exhibition Arena (British Columbia),” 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!”

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