The Hussar Agricultural Society plays a crucial role in our community by operating the local arena, which has been a central hub of activity since its reconstruction in 2001. The arena is not just a venue for local hockey and ringette teams; it also serves as a gathering place for various community events throughout the year, including 4-H activities, sports days, and even Stampede Wrestling. With a strong commitment to fostering youth engagement in sports, the Hussar Ag Society supports an active skating club that offers programs like Canskate, figure skating, and powerskating, ensuring that local children have ample opportunities to stay active and enjoy recreational activities.

Despite these positive contributions, the Society faces significant financial challenges due to rising operational costs, such as utilities and insurance, especially after upgrading the ice plant in 2020. Winning the $25,000 prize would provide much-needed funding to make overdue upgrades and maintain the arena, allowing the Hussar Ag Society to continue offering affordable access to this essential facility.

The arena is more than just an ice rink; it is a vital component of our town's social fabric, bringing people together and fostering community spirit. By supporting the Hussar Agricultural Society, we can help ensure that this important community hub remains operational and accessible for everyone in the area.

“We are honoured to be chosen for this incredible prize. It’s giving us the opportunity to invest in long-overdue upgrades to the arena that are essential to our continued success. These projects will allow us to continue to provide our youth with affordable access to community events and activities. We are so grateful for the support our community showed us throughout the campaign.” - Hussar Agricultural Society (Alberta)

The Buffalo Coulee Community Hall has been a cherished gathering place in our community since its transformation from a school into a community center in 1974. Over the decades, it has become a vital hub for social interaction and community cohesion, hosting a variety of events such as weddings, reunions, annual perogy suppers, Christmas celebrations, and snowmobile rallies. The hall's significance is underscored by its role in fostering relationships among families and seniors, providing a space where shared memories are created and cherished.

However, this historical venue is one of the few remaining community halls still operational, and it faces significant maintenance challenges, particularly the urgent need for a new roof to ensure its continued use. Winning the $25,000 prize would directly support this essential roofing project, allowing the hall to remain a vibrant center for community gatherings and activities for years to come, preserving the spirit of togetherness that is so critical to the area.

The Eaglesham & District Agricultural Society has been an integral part of our community since its establishment in 1971, dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for residents and specifically supporting rural youth. Over the years, the Ag Society has focused on creating opportunities that foster a vibrant rural lifestyle, ensuring that children growing up in agricultural areas are not disadvantaged compared to their urban counterparts. With a vision to encourage the next generation to return to farming, the Eaglesham & District Ag Society organizes initiatives that promote positive experiences for youth.

Winning the $25,000 prize would allow the Ag Society to fund multiple impactful projects, including a community-wide farm safety day designed to educate and engage local children. The funds would help host an affordable BBQ supper, featuring entertainment such as a magician and unique activities like sheep riding for young kids, creating lasting memories. Additionally, the prize would support transportation for swim lessons and a school trip to Edmonton, experiences that many local children may not otherwise have the chance to enjoy.

The Eaglesham & District Ag Society's commitment to rural youth development and community engagement is commendable, and this funding would significantly bolster their efforts to make a real difference in the lives of families in our area.

Playfair Daycare in Moosomin, Saskatchewan, serves as an essential resource for families in the community, providing high-quality childcare in a nurturing environment since 1995. With the growing population and an increasing demand for daycare services, the facility has faced a significant challenge: a waitlist that has extended over two years, leaving many parents without reliable childcare options.

Recognizing this urgent need, the daycare has initiated a major building project in 2023 to establish a second location that will add 90 new spots, further supporting local families and allowing parents to participate fully in the workforce. This project has garnered government support, yet additional funding is crucial to cover the total cost of $4.4 million.

Winning the $25,000 prize would significantly aid in completing this new facility, ensuring that more children can access quality care and education. The presence of adequate daycare is not only vital for individual families but also for the overall economic health of the community, enabling local businesses to thrive by attracting and retaining employees. The support provided by Playfair Daycare fosters a safe and enriching environment where children can learn and develop, ultimately shaping the future of the community. By investing in this initiative, we can help alleviate the childcare shortage that impacts various sectors, including healthcare and agriculture, and support the growth of Moosomin as a vibrant place for families to settle and prosper.

“We are honoured to be selected as one of the winners of the Growing Home with BASF contest. The prize will help us complete the construction of our second daycare centre—bringing 90 new daycare spots to the local community. The second location will help reduce childcare shortages in the community and create an enriching environment for learning and growth. Thank you to everyone who voted for our organization and thank you BASF.” - PlayFair Daycare (Saskatchewan)

Little Seedlings Daycare Center Inc. is a new initiative in Wilkie, Saskatchewan, aimed at establishing the first community daycare and extended care for school aged children in the area. Recognizing a significant need for quality childcare services, this non-profit organization is dedicated to providing a safe, nurturing, and educational environment for all children while supporting the busy families in the local agricultural sector.

The daycare project has been in development since 2022, with a committed group of community members working tirelessly to secure approximately $700,000 of the $900,000 needed for completion. The establishment of this daycare is crucial, as it will not only provide essential care for children but also create jobs for caregivers and educators, thereby stimulating the local economy and helping families gain access to employment opportunities. Moreover, it offers a space for parents to connect and build a support network, fostering a stronger sense of community.

Winning the $25,000 prize would significantly expedite the final stages of the daycare's renovations, enabling it to open sooner and fulfill the dreams of many families seeking quality childcare. This investment aligns with the values of growth and sustainability that organizations like BASF advocate, making Little Seedlings Daycare Center a deserving recipient of this funding, and ensuring that the next generation has the foundation to thrive in a rural setting.

Farm It Forward is a charitable non-profit organization established in 2017 and ran by local farmers with a mission to enhance community well-being through collective efforts. By donating profits from their crops, the group has significantly impacted various local institutions, including the rink, school, retirement home, daycare, community hall, and numerous recreational facilities and groups. Their guiding principle, "Farming together to generate income for the betterment of our community," reflects their commitment to fostering a safe and healthy environment for all residents.

Over the years, Farm It Forward has contributed more than $260,000 to Mossbank and surrounding areas, funding essential building repairs, supporting educational and cultural initiatives, and promoting recreational activities, such as the creation of a 3km walking path to encourage physical activity and safety. Currently, the organization is focused on a crucial project: replacing the rink's aging artificial ice compressor system, which is vital for maintaining their beloved "Polar Dome" as an essential community hub.

The estimated cost of this replacement is $475,000, and winning the $25,000 prize would help Farm It Forward make significant strides toward this goal, ensuring that the rink remains operational and continues to serve as a gathering place for residents of all ages. Their efforts not only sustain the rink but also strengthen community ties, making Farm It Forward an invaluable asset to the area.

The Boissevain School Parent Advisory Council (PAC) Playground Committee is dedicated to transforming two existing playgrounds at Boissevain School into inclusive and accessible outdoor spaces for all students and community members. They are also creating an outdoor space for their high school students. Formed in 2023, this enthusiastic group has already raised $170,000 toward their ambitious goal of $500,000 to upgrade the school's aging playgrounds, which have been in use for 30 to 50 years.

While the current equipment has been maintained, it has surpassed its life expectancy and poses safety hazards, particularly for students with disabilities. The committee's project aims to replace outdated structures with modern, safe, and functional equipment that accommodates children of all abilities, including those who use wheelchairs. They plan to enhance the playgrounds by upgrading the surfacing to wood fiber, which will provide a safer environment for play.

The PAC plays an essential role in fostering community spirit and support for students and educators alike, organizing fundraising initiatives and events that enrich the school experience. The new playgrounds will not only serve the students but also the wider community, as it is a central hub for recreation. Winning the $25,000 prize would significantly accelerate the committee's efforts, allowing them to complete this vital project sooner and mitigate rising costs due to inflation. By investing in inclusive playgrounds and outdoor spaces, the Boissevain PAC Playground Committee is not only enhancing recreational opportunities but also promoting a sense of belonging and community cohesion, ultimately benefiting the entire town and ensuring a brighter future for all children.

“Our community has been working together to transform our existing school playground into an inclusive and accessible outdoor space that can accommodate children of all abilities. Winning this prize is encouraging to everyone who has been involved. It allows us to bring this new playground to our community sooner than we ever imagined. We are so grateful!” - The Boissevain School Parent Advisory Council Playground Committee (Manitoba)

The Louise Aquatic Centre project is an exciting initiative aimed at enhancing the recreational facilities within the Municipality of Louise. This new outdoor swimming pool will replace a cherished 50-year-old facility, featuring modern amenities such as a zero-depth beach entry, a four-lane Junior Olympic lap pool, a lazy river, a diving board, three water slides, and various spray features.

The design of the Aquatic Centre focuses on providing a safe and enjoyable environment for families, fostering water safety through swimming lessons, and creating opportunities for youth to join a swim team, which will also help them develop valuable leadership skills. Beyond its immediate benefits to the community, the Aquatic Centre is expected to create summer job opportunities and attract tourism, thereby contributing to the overall economic vitality of the region.

By investing in this facility, the Municipality of Louise is taking a significant step towards improving community well-being, providing a fun and healthy outlet for physical activity, and ensuring that children acquire essential swimming skills that promote safety in and around water. Winning the $25,000 would play a critical role in bringing this much-needed project to fruition, allowing the community to thrive and grow while offering a valuable resource that caters to families and individuals across the larger rural farming area. The Louise Aquatic Centre is not just a swimming pool; it is a commitment to the health, safety, and enjoyment of the community for generations to come.

Hero's Alliance is a dedicated grassroots organization composed entirely of volunteers, committed to enhancing the mental, physical, and social well-being of the Lac du Bonnet community. One of their key initiatives is providing subsidized mental health counseling to residents, ensuring that individuals have access to vital support services. In addition to this, they run a commendable program called "LUNCH IS ON US," which offers free hot lunches to students, seniors, and other community members in need.

This program, initiated by a local farmer, serves an impressive 250 meals each week, delivering homemade soup and buns to those who might otherwise go hungry. However, the demand for this essential service is steadily increasing, and securing funding for the food and ingredients required is a significant challenge. Many public grants are restricted to capital costs, leaving operational expenses like meal ingredients often unfunded. Currently, the program has enough resources to continue for approximately eight more weeks, but without additional funding opportunities, its future is uncertain.

Winning the $25,000 prize would provide a crucial lifeline for the "LUNCH IS ON US" program, allowing it to continue supporting the community of Lac du Bonnet and its surrounding areas. This funding would not only sustain the meals provided but also reinforce the community's commitment to caring for its most vulnerable members, ensuring that no one is left behind. Hero's Alliance exemplifies the power of community engagement and the importance of addressing both mental health and food insecurity in building a healthier, more resilient society.

In Wellington County, residents face significant challenges in accessing timely healthcare, particularly when it comes to non-emergency Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans, with an average wait time of 133 days and the necessity to travel over an hour for these essential services. Recognizing the need for improved access to medical imaging, the Palmerston & District Hospital Foundation launched a Campaign to bring MRI technology to Palmerston in August 2023, aiming to raise $8 million for the acquisition of an MRI machine, construct the space, and train the staff to operate the machine. So far, the campaign has successfully garnered nearly $7.5 million, a testament to the remarkable support from the local community.

Dale Franklin, the Development Officer for the Foundation, emphasized the transformative impact this service will have on the area, stating that having an MRI available locally will significantly reduce the burden on rural patients who would otherwise have to travel long distances to urban centres for their scans. This initiative is particularly crucial for the agricultural community, where the demands of farming can take a toll on both physical and mental health.

Access to advanced diagnostic tools like MRI scans is essential for ensuring that farmers receive timely and appropriate medical care, enabling them to continue their vital work of providing food for the community. The Palmerston & District Hospital Foundation is hopeful that BASF will recognize the importance of this project and consider partnering with them to bring this vital service to their rural hospital. Such a partnership would not only enhance healthcare accessibility for local residents but also contribute to the overall well-being of farm families and the agricultural industry in the region, ensuring that future generations have the necessary support to thrive. This campaign represents a significant step towards improving healthcare infrastructure in Wellington County, ultimately fostering a healthier community.

“We are honoured to be selected as one of this year’s winners of the Growing Home with BASF contest. This prize will support our local hospital’s monumental task of bringing MRI technology to our rural community. With residents waiting an average of 133 days for access to MRI scanning, it will help local farmers and community members access the timely and reliable medical care they deserve. Thank you for supporting Wellington County residents and our organization.” - Palmerston and District Hospital Foundation (Ontario)

The Kiwanis Club of Petrolia and Area has been a vital contributor to the community since its establishment in April 2021, focusing on enhancing the quality of life for residents through various mental wellness programs and youth empowerment initiatives. Their commitment to mental wellness is evident in their efforts to implement programs in local schools, which aim to support students' emotional and psychological health. Additionally, the club organizes free swim and gym days for children during professional development (PD) days, ensuring that young people have access to recreational activities when school is not in session.

The Kiwanis Club also runs the TERRIFIC Kids program, fostering positive behaviors in schools, and sponsors local high school students to attend Key Leadership Camps, which help develop future community leaders. Their engagement extends beyond youth programs; they host a popular free Halloween event called Fiery Faces, which includes a community carving night, three nights of illuminated pumpkin displays, and a family fun day, bringing joy and togetherness to the community.

In addressing food security, the Kiwanis Club makes monthly donations to local organizations, reinforcing their commitment to supporting those in need. Their collaborative approach involves working with other service groups, the Town of Petrolia, and local businesses to provide diverse activities and events that enrich community life. Their signature project, a community splash pad, represents a financial commitment of $150,000, with $30,000 already repaid. Winning the $25,000 would significantly benefit both the Kiwanis Club and the Petrolia community, helping to realize the splash pad project and ensuring continued support for their various initiatives. This investment would not only enhance recreational opportunities for families but also solidify the Kiwanis Club's role as a cornerstone of community development and engagement.

Gateway Centre for Rural Health (Gateway CERH) is a not-for-profit organization that has been dedicated to enhancing the health and quality of life of rural residents since obtaining its charitable status in 2008. Located in Huron County, which is known for its robust agricultural production, Gateway CERH focuses on research, education, and communication to address the unique health challenges faced by rural communities.

Among their twelve ongoing projects, the Farmers Safety & Well-Being Project, which includes initiatives such as "Shed Talks," stands out as a crucial component of their commitment to agricultural mental health. These programs are designed to build resilience among farmers, providing them with the necessary tools and support to navigate the stress associated with the current economic climate in agriculture. A key focus is on mental health first aid, which is essential for ensuring that farmers have access to the care they need.

With the added concern of Avian Flu, Gateway CERH is actively collaborating with the University of Guelph and their One Health Program to explore support mechanisms for affected communities. Winning the $25,000 would enable Gateway CERH to further develop and enhance these vital projects, creating models that could be replicated in rural areas across Canada. By prioritizing the mental and physical health of farmers, Gateway CERH is not only supporting individual well-being but also contributing to the overall sustainability and productivity of the agricultural sector, which is essential for rural economies.