The money will help cover much of the operational cost of the Foundation, which accepts funds from individuals, companies and organizations, invests the money, and supports charitable organizations in east-central Saskatchewan with the interest generated by the endowment fund.
The principal amount in the fund, consisting of donations made to YDCF, remains intact to become a lasting legacy.
In early 2021 the volunteer board of YDCF approached the farming community for help to cover its operational costs to ensure investment earnings could all be dedicated to supporting local charities. The Growing Together crop project was the result.
Local agribusinesses provided equipment, labour and inputs to grow a canola crop on 40 acres of land loaned to the Community Foundation by Ducks Unlimited. The yield of 24.7 clean metric tonnes of canola generated $23,069.
The project was co-ordinated by Matt Zerbin of Canada West Harvest Centre of Yorkton. The following businesses supported the project:
Richardson Pioneer (fertilizer); Northeastern Seed Co. Ltd. (Pioneer hybrid seed); Cargill (Roundup); Cross Farms (seeding); Ducks Unlimited Canada (land); Reesink Canada (Agrifac sprayer); Everett Peters, Sales Consultant with Canada West Harvest Centre (spraying); Novak Farms (grain trucking); Three Way Industries (trucking of equipment); Canada West Harvest Centre (Claas combine); Richardson Pioneer (grain buyer).
In a year when lack of moisture put stress on the agricultural sector, local companies and farmers produced a generous yield and much-needed operational funding for the Community Foundation.
