Farm Credit Canada (FCC) is giving almost $1 million through its FCC AgriSpirit Fund to 74 community groups across Canada to support rural capital projects, which includes the North Thompson Agriplex project in Barriere, B.C.
“The FCC AgriSpirit Fund is about enhancing rural Canada as well as giving back to communities where our customers and employees live and work,” said Sophie Perreault, FCC executive vice-president and chief operating officer. “We’re proud to partner with great organizations that are working to create a positive change. Congratulations to all the recipients.”
The FCC AgriSpirit Fund awards between $5,000 and $25,000 for community improvement projects, such as hospitals and medical centres, childcare facilities, fire and rescue equipment, playgrounds, food banks, libraries, recreation centres, and community gardens. All projects are based in towns with populations less than 150,000 and recipients must complete their projects by December 31, 2017.
Nationally, 1,259 applications were received this year which clearly indicates how invested rural Canadians are in their communities. Over the past 12 years, the FCC AgriSpirit Fund has supported almost 1,000 projects, an investment of more than $9.5 million.
A complete national listing of selected projects can be found at www.fccagrispiritfund.ca.
The next application period opens in spring 2016. Registered charities and non-profit organizations interested in funding can visit www.fccagrispiritfund.ca for eligibility requirements and to apply online.
In British Columbia, the following projects are receiving funding:
• North Thompson Fall Fair & Rodeo Association, $25,000 towards North Thompson Agriplex project.
• Bulkley Valley Soccer Society, $20,000 to redevelop a complex of three soccer fields in Smithers and Bulkley Valley
• Lake Country Food Assistance Society, $10,000 to construct a building for the food bank
North Thompson Fall Fair and Rodeo Association president Jill Hayward commented, “We are very excited to receive this support from the FCC AgriSpirit Fund. The North Thompson Agriplex project has been a work in progress, but we are debt free and only proceed with the project when funds become available. This $25,000 puts us that much closer to completion – thank you so much to FCC.”
FCC is Canada’s leading agriculture lender, with a healthy loan portfolio of more than $27 billion. Our employees are dedicated to the future of Canadian agriculture and its role in feeding an ever-growing world. They provide flexible, competitively priced financing, management software, information and knowledge specifically designed for the agriculture and agri-food industry. Profits are reinvested back into agriculture and the communities where FCC customers and employees live and work. Visit fcc.ca or follow them on Facebook, LinkedIn, and on Twitter @FCCagriculture.