Community projects bloom in Viking, Vermilion and Falher

Stony Plain, Alberta, May 30, 2006 – Community enhancement projects are blossoming in rural Alberta this spring thanks to Farm Credit Canada’s (FCC) AgriSpirit Fund.

The FCC AgriSpirit Fund enhances community centres, food banks, recreation centres, care homes, and playgrounds in rural communities across the country.

“We’re inspired by the creativity, spirit and enthusiasm for community improvement in rural Alberta,” says Larry Martina, FCC Vice-President of Western Operations. “It’s an honor to fund projects that benefit the communities where our customers live, work and play every day.”

The FCC AgriSpirit Fund awards capital project funding in communities with population less than 100,000. To qualify, projects must enhance the quality of life in rural communities. A total of 42 projects across Canada were selected from 283 applications to receive between $5,000 and $25,000 in funding this year. They are Falher Regional Recreation Complex, Vermilion Community Centre, and the Viking Arena and Community Centre. See the attached background information for project descriptions and contact information.

The FCC AgriSpirit Fund will be available again next year. Interested applicants are encouraged to visit the FCC website this fall. Details about the eligibility criteria and the application process will be available at www.fcc-fac.ca in the About Us section.

FCC is Canada’s largest provider of business and financial solutions to farms and agribusiness. Operating out of 100 offices located primarily in rural Canada, FCC employees are passionate about the business of agriculture. A healthy portfolio of $11 billion and 12 consecutive years of portfolio growth are a reflection of our customers' success.

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Background

Falher Regional Recreation Complex, Fahler, Alberta
The Falher Regional Recreation Complex will receive $25,000 to help fund the construction cost of the arena and curling rink. The year-round facility will enhance the lives of residents with opportunities for recreation, social activities and competitions.

“The AgriSpirit Fund brings dreams to reality,” says Lorraine Desaulniers, Falher Recreation Development Society. “Those of us who live in small towns truly believe that the arena is the heart of the community. FCC’s donation brought us much closer to seeing the completion of our modern, multi-use, year-round recreational complex. Farm Credit Canada demonstrates solid understanding of the needs of small rural communities.”

For more information about this project, please contact:
Lorraine Desaulniers, Falher Regional Recreation Development Society, at (780) 837-2707
Barry Smith, FCC District Manager, at (780) 968-6471
Mireille Bilodeau VongPhit (Bilingual), FCC Communication Consultant at (306) 780-8630

Vermilion Community Centre, Vermilion, Alberta
The Vermilion Community Centre will receive $20,000 to help fund the construction cost of a new 20,000 square foot facility. The new centre will be used for cultural activities including dance, art and children’s activities as well as weddings, meetings and banquets. Lakeland College will also benefit from using the facility to attract students, conferences and possibly more programs.

For more information about this project, please contact:
Dion Pollard, Director of Community Services, at (780) 853-5358
Sandy Kirtzinger, FCC District Manager, at (780) 679-3254
Mireille Bilodeau VongPhit (Bilingual), FCC Communication Consultant at (306) 780-8630

Viking Arena and Community Centre, Viking, Alberta
The Viking Arena will receive $15,000 to rebuild the original arena that was lost to fire in 2005. When complete, the new facility will house the Viking Library and Playschool and will also be used for community sports, special events, 4-H events, clinics and classes. FCC’s donation will help with the cost of preparing the new site and rebuilding costs.

For more information about this project, please contact:
Sandy Kirtzinger, FCC District Manager, at (780) 679-3254
Mireille Bilodeau VongPhit (Bilingual), FCC Communication Consultant at (306) 780-8630

For more information about the AgriSpirit Fund, click here.