The program “is a way to give back to the communities where our customers work and live, and to celebrate the role that farmers have played in growing their communities,” she says.
Applications can be submitted in support of a number of types of non-profit organizations, including hospitals, schools, libraries, rural daycares, 4H clubs and senior centres, according to a Jan. 26 release.
Farmers can nominate “charities like the local two-sheet curling rink or old community school that needs a new playground,” says Funke. “All kinds of those (local) organizations are often at the centre (or are) the heart of the community.”
Last year, the program attracted some 500 applications. As 2017 will mark the sixth year, Funke is hoping to see the number of applicants grow.
The cash recipients are chosen randomly by draw to give every charity an equal chance at winning. The nomination process is free and only takes a few minutes to complete.
“Every person. whether they are a farmer or not, has a cause they care about,” says Funke. “In this program, farmers get to be the hero … (they) can give a charitable project just the shot in the arm it need to reach their goal, or to keep their cause (afloat).”
Farmers can visit http://www.canadasfarmers.ca/ to nominate a charity or to learn more about the program.
Monsanto will accept nominations until Sept. 30 and will draw winners on Nov. 1, 2017.