The Athabasca District Agricultural Society is deeply ingrained in our community, blending agricultural advancement with the cherished tradition of rodeo culture. For decades, our dedicated volunteers have tirelessly worked to bring together the agriculture community, nurture youth leadership and celebrate our rodeo heritage. From sponsoring educational programs such as 4-H, supporting local producers and hosting yearly celebrations that honour farm families who are 50+ years in the industry, we strive to foster growth and prosperity in Athabasca while honouring our rich traditions.

Winning Growing Home with BASF would enable us to expand our impact, invest in new projects and provide more support to farmers and residents.

By voting for us, you're investing in the future of our community and ensuring its continued success and vibrancy for generations to come.

Today we ask for your vote!

Erskine Curling Rink was built in 1953 and is the heart of our small community. Our curling club teaches the Erskine school children curling lessons as part of their P.E. classes and is run by curling league member volunteers. We also support our local Erskine 4-H Beef Club, providing space for the club to run its meetings. Unfortunately, we are in need of major renovations to keep the building operational and thriving for the future generations. Please cast your vote for the Erskine Curling Rink.

At New Humble Community School Association, we believe not all classrooms have four walls, and not all students learn in the same ways. Proudly located in rural Leduc County, NHCSA offers a unique learning experience using agriculture, environment and stewardship as an instrument for experiential hands-on learning. NHCSA works diligently to tie agricultural literacy into their charter goals to help develop skills and strengthen interest in the agriculture sector. We are committed to fostering the growth of each individual student, and we recognize and celebrate the importance of agricultural literacy and getting kids outside to learn and grow and get their hands dirty. NHCS currently offers ECS through grade six and winning the BASF grant would help NHCSA expand the grades offered, and enhance experiential, hands-on programming for current and future students.

Abbey Curling Club was established decades ago and is a hub of activity during the winter months for our rural community of Abbey in southwest Saskatchewan. Citizens of all ages look forward to winters at the rink as a place to socialize and get active. The Club offers regular league curling, youth clinics and after school programs, 4-H playdowns and various bonspiels throughout the winter. Unfortunately, during our 2023-2024 season, the compressor broke down and now requires extensive repair. The Club is determined to keep the rink going and plans are in place to have the repairs done prior to fall 2024. Winning this prize would be a huge boost to our fundraising goal and would ensure our rink can remain part of our rural culture for years to come.

The Bengough Agricultural Society was established in 1916 and has provided ground and agricultural activities in our community and area ever since. We have been fundraising for a new building that would provide shelter, a kitchen and bathrooms with a running water system. We have secured funds to start construction of the exterior building this spring. Further financing is required to complete the project. This building will enhance the events held at our agricultural grounds. Currently we host high school rodeos, bull riding, amateur rodeo, horse shows, barrel racing and more. Our goal is to continue to provide a venue for these activities and events for future generations.

Upgrades and development of recreation facilities is integral to the health and welfare of our community, as much as it is to individual participants. It has also created and generated renewed interest and hope in the community. Building a new pool, pool house, campground/playground, and making upgrades to the recreation complex will provide a legacy for the future and generate pride within the community. These facilities are not just buildings but symbols of the community. They are tools to preserve our past, culture and heritage, and open doors for new and exciting opportunities.

Inglis is a small farming community in the Parkland region of Manitoba known for our row of five grain elevators, a national historic site and Asessippi Ski Hill. The Inglis & District Community Club is a volunteer-run organization responsible for the operation and upkeep of two very important buildings in our community, the skating rink and hall. Having these facilities encourages people to stay local, and in turn helps bring revenue to our town, keeps our school attendance high and truly maintains that “Friendly Manitoba” spirit! Like many small towns, these spaces are the backbone of our community and are in need of some extra love, care and money to keep them viable for years to come. Winning BASF’s Growing Home Contest would help us with multiple projects including a new furnace for the rink, re-shingling the rink, re-insulating the hall and other small projects.

The Notre Dame Arena is the “HUB” of our small agriculture community. For almost 50 years, family and friends have gathered to enjoy fitness and socializing at the arena. Our aging facility has gone through many upgrades in recent years like the installation of a new ice plant, ice surface boards/glass, floor piping, concrete, renovating viewing area, washrooms, kitchen and dressing rooms. Now, for an even larger project: it is time to replace the roof, exterior tin, doors, install stand heat and upgrade the ventilation system. The community has raised over $350,000 towards the $1,200,000 project through local support. Please join in our vison to keep our arena viable.

We are the St. Jean Fire Department: a volunteer-based fire department dedicated to protecting our community and surrounding area in times of need. We are also very active in our community, volunteering at numerous events including the Annual St. Jean ATV Derby, one of the largest organized off-road rallies in Canada.

We are currently confronted with the pressing challenge of replacing our self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), which will no longer be certified as the manufacturer has abruptly discontinued the sales and service of their SCBA lineup. With little notice, we must now come up with the funds to replace them within a very limited amount of time.

Your vote would help ensure we can replace our SCBAs and continue our ability to respond effectively to fires and emergencies, ready to answer the call when it matters most.

The Highgate District Agricultural Society has been central to our rural community here in southwestern Ontario for 170 years. Throughout this time, we have organized and presented an annual agricultural fair for the local community that promotes life skills and agricultural awareness, connects rural and urban Canadians, and offers a venue for farmers, youth and others to engage in competition and trade exhibitions. As a cornerstone of our community, we manage and maintain the local community park that includes venue space, sporting and recreation facilities and children’s play areas, as well as host and sponsor various events and activities throughout the year that allow the community to come together to celebrate our rich country heritage. As one of the last remaining – and longest running – agricultural societies in the area, we also support the local 4-H association through access to our facilities throughout the year. We are a 100% volunteer-based organization that depends on sponsorships, donations and the countless hours of our many volunteers to keep this tradition alive. The financial support offered through the BASF Growing Home program would go a long way to ensuring our programs and annual fair continue for years to come.

We are Norfolk Little People’s Daycare (NLPD), a non-profit daycare centre established in 1985 in the heart of Norfolk County, known as Ontario’s Garden. The majority of our families who attend the centre are connected to rural agriculture in Norfolk and have a passion for this beautiful and bountiful area. Our focus is to provide a stimulating and inclusive program that meets the needs of all children from infancy to school age with our key values of: Quality Care, Trust, Partnerships and Fiscal Responsibility.

Three Oaks Cabin was founded in 2022, following the sudden and tragic loss of our son and brother, Dalles Bergsma, who was a proud farmer and volunteer first responder in our rural community. As we learned more about the statistics regarding mental health in farming and first responders’ communities, we decided we had to do something. And so, Three Oaks Cabin was born, being a quiet place where farmers and first responders can find refuge from the stress and anxiety that accompanies their livelihoods. Our mission is to enhance and support the mental, emotional and spiritual wellbeing of individuals primarily involved in the agricultural and first responder communities who are struggling with forms of stress and anxiety.