Three rural community organizations will receive a $5,000 check thanks to the winners of Lallemand’s 2024 Hometown Roots photo contest.
As a contest winner, one person each in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba had the privilege of choosing a hometown organization to receive a $5,000 donation from Lallemand.
Alberta winner Walter Entz of Bluegrass Farming selected the Wrentham Fire and Rescue Foundation, David Bagshaw winner in Saskatchewan selected the Lucky Lake Community Centre, and Manitoba winner Shelly Brunel selected the Ste. Rose Court Project.
“As a family-owned business, this contest allows us to continue our tradition of giving back to the communities that have supported us,” says Anne Favre, Strategic Marketing Director – USA & Canada, Lallemand Plant Care. “We’re proud of this initiative and are thrilled to have selected a winner who truly captured the essence of what this photo contest was about."
Launched in 2022, the Hometown Roots Contest by Lallemand was designed to support rural communities by giving back to community-based organizations. This year, the contest evolved into a photo competition, inviting participants to capture and share the true spirit of agriculture in their communities. From candid shots of daily farm life to moments that capture the heart of rural living, the entries were a vivid display of creativity and pride.
The contest ran from November 2023 through July 2024. Participants were invited to take a photo that celebrated agriculture and their community and upload it along with a brief summary of how the photo represents what makes their community or farm special. They could submit one photo per week, and no purchase of any kind was necessary to enter or win.
Three prizes were awarded in Canada: three $5,000 cheques payable to a local community organization or charity of the winner’s choice, one prize each for Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan.
Since its inception in 2021, the Hometown Roots Contest has enabled Lallemand to award 20 participants with a connection to agriculture in Canada and the U.S., donating $100,000 to their local communities.
For more information and full contest rules, visit www.lallemandhometownroots.com.
Quotations:
“They're good people on the fire and rescue team. We’ve relied on the Wrentham Fire Department’s ambulance several times, and it’s always reassuring to know help is close by if we need an ambulance or assistance during harvest. In our small farm community, everyone works together to stay safe. I think it’s great that Lallemand runs this competition—it gives me and the other winners a unique way to give back to our communities.”
Walter Entz of Bluegrass Farming, Alberta contest winner
“The community centre is the hub of our community between winter activities, meetings, weddings, and all kinds of events. The roof needs to be redone, the ice plant needs to be refurbished, and they are painting right now, so this donation will be a big help. It’s nice to see Lallemand supporting smaller communities like ours. Thank you for running the Hometown Roots photo contest in our province.”
David Bagshaw, Saskatchewan contest winner
“Our son started the Court Project with his friend. They saw a need for a basketball court in the community. With this donation from Lallemand we are hoping to finish the final phase of adding lighting to the court to make it a safer space youth can use long after dark. The youth in our town are very excited about it. Thank you Lallemand! This donation means a lot to our community.”
Shelly Brunel, Manitoba contest winner
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About Lallemand
For over 100 years, Lallemand has been an expert in yeast and bacteria manufacturing. It is now a global leader in the development, production, and marketing of microorganisms for various industries. Using sound science and know-how, Lallemand Plant Care provides effective microbial-based solutions that deliver agronomic, economic, and sustainable value to growers.