The Growing Home with BASF initiative was launched in Western Canada in 2023 as a way to give back to the communities where BASF customers live, work and play.
BASF will distribute $100,000 between four organizations in four provinces to support local initiatives in rural Canadian communities
This year’s program received 624 nominations from growers, which were narrowed down to 12 finalists, three each in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario.
The $25,000 contribution from BASF to each of the winning organizations will help fund initiatives that promote the health and sustainability of rural communities.
Vice President, Business Management at BASF, Leta LaRush says they were incredibly inspired by each organization nominated and the positive impact they have on their communities.
"We’re thankful to work with growers and retail partners who are so passionate about their communities, and we are excited to give back to each of the finalists for Growing Home with BASF this year. "
The BASF 2024 Growing Home winners and comments are listed below.
Erskine Curling Club (Alberta) - Erskine Curling Rink was built in 1953 and is the heart of the Erskine community. The curling club teaches the Erskine school children curling lessons as part of their physical education classes and is run by curling league member volunteers. They also support their local Erskine 4-H Beef Club, providing space for the club to run its meetings. The curling club is in need of major renovations to keep the building operational and thriving for future generations.
Erskine Curling Club - "When we need our community, they are always there! To everyone who supported the Erskine Curling Rink, we truly thank you. And to BASF your contributions to our small rural hamlet will forever be remembered!"
Abbey Curling Club (Saskatchewan) - Abbey Curling Club was established decades ago and is a hub of activity during the winter months for the 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 the 2023-2024 season, the compressor broke down and requires extensive repair. The funds from Growing Home with BASF will support the club’s plans to have the repairs completed by fall 2024.
The Abbey Curling Club - "Abbey is a small town with big heart and the support we received in this contest reiterates that. Our rink is the hub of the community in the winter and winning this contest means that we can make the necessary repairs to our plant to keep the doors open for years to come. We are so grateful to have been part of this campaign. Thank you, BASF!"
St. Jean Baptiste Volunteer Fire Department (Manitoba) - The St. Jean Fire Department is a volunteer-based fire department dedicated to protecting the community and surrounding area in times of need. They are also very active in the community, volunteering at numerous events including the Annual St. Jean ATV Derby, one of the largest organized off-road rallies in Canada. The fire department is currently confronted with the pressing challenge of replacing their self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), which are no longer certified as the manufacturer has abruptly discontinued the sales and service of their SCBA lineup. Receiving $25,000 through Growing Home with BASF will help the department purchase new units to continue serving their community.
St. Jean Baptiste Volunteer Fire Department - "We are honoured to be one of the winners of the Growing Home with BASF contest. This award will greatly add to our SCBA replacement project and help us to continue to provide emergency readiness for our community and surrounding area. We are extremely grateful for the support our community and surrounding area gave us during the voting process as we would not have been able to do this without them. We would like to say thank you to BASF & everyone who voted for us. THANK YOU!"
Three Oaks Respite Cabin (Ontario) - Three Oaks Cabin was founded in 2022, following the sudden and tragic loss of Dalles Bergsma, who was a proud farmer and volunteer first responder in his rural Ontario community. Three Oaks Cabin was created to provide a quiet place where farmers and first responders can find refuge from the stress and anxiety that accompanies their livelihoods. Three Oaks Cabin’s mission is to enhance and support the mental, emotional and spiritual well-being of individuals primarily involved in the agricultural and first responder communities who are struggling with stress and anxiety.
Three Oaks Respite Cabin - "We are honoured to be the Ontario recipients of the 2024 Growing Home with BASF prize and are so grateful to our community for showing their support. This prize will directly support mental health programming for farmer and first responder guests at Three Oaks."
For more information on Growing Home with BASF and the winning organizations click here.