Building Community Together

Food Farm Program

Synergy AG (Lumsden & Balcarres, SK)  

To build a strong future for agriculture and for our communities, we need young people to understand and care about where their food comes from. That’s why Synergy AG is proud to partner with Agriculture in the Classroom Saskatchewan (AITC-SK) through their Food Farm program, a province-wide initiative delivering hands-on experiences that connect students directly to the world of agriculture.  

Programs like Food Farm are paving the way for agricultural literacy and inspiring the next generation. At Food Farms, Grade 3 students come out in the spring and return, as Grade 4’s, in the fall. The impact is huge: students experience the full cycle of agriculture, gain real-world knowledge of our food system, meet the farmers and ranchers who grow their food, and discover exciting career opportunities they never imagined.  

At Synergy AG retail locations in Balcarres and Lumsden, students rotate through interactive stations on beef, dairy, chickens, soil health, bees, grains, equipment, water, vegetable planting, and more—all led by passionate volunteers and Synergy AG staff. Over the past five years, more than 800 students have participated in Lumsden’s Food Farm, and demand keeps growing. This fall, teachers registered 350 students, but 200 could be accepted due to capacity. 2025 was Balcarres’ first year in the program and over 150 students participated.  

Prize funds will help keep this program thriving by covering volunteer meals, student transportation, garden upgrades, soil test kits, and hands-on activities. They’ll also allow the program to expand, boost visibility, and amplify impact across the community.  

The Food Farm program fosters collaboration, connection, and sustainability; values at the heart of everything we do at Synergy AG. Our community is where we live, work, and grow, and giving back through initiatives like this is our way of saying “thank you” to the people who support us so relentlessly. We’re proud to invest in the communities that invest in us.  

Community Childcare Funding 

Shur-Gro Farm Services (MacGregor, Manitoba)  

Childcare in the RM of North Norfolk isn’t just a need; it’s a challenge. The nearest daycare is 25 minutes away, serving its own community, and it’s full with a waiting list. That’s why Shur-Gro Farm Services is proud to partner with the North Norfolk Childcare Co-operative (NNCC) to bring childcare closer to home.  

This project is about creating convenience for families, peace of mind for parents, and a trusted space the community can call its own. Thanks to incredible generosity, a local group donated a building because everyone recognized the urgent need. Over the past four years, NNCC has rallied support through fundraisers and hard work to make this dream possible.  

The goal: open doors in 2026. Prize funds will help cover operational costs and mortgage payments, ensuring the centre’s long-term success. Once complete, the centre will join Manitoba’s $10-a-day childcare program, making quality care affordable for families. It will also provide diverse learning tools and a nurturing environment that inspires growth, confidence, and connection.  

This project means more than happy kids, it means jobs for locals, stronger families, and a thriving community. At Shur-Gro, we see firsthand how limited childcare impacts our customers and staff. Supporting this initiative means supporting MacGregor’s future. Strong communities help agriculture thrive and our initiative is a step toward raising the bar to foster a vibrant, sustainable future for our region.  

Zamboni & Facility Upgrades 

Prairie Giants Crop Supply (Inglis, Manitoba)  

Prairie Giants Crop Supply is proud to stand with the Inglis & District Community Club to keep the heart of Inglis beating strong! Inglis may be a small Manitoba town of 200, but its spirit is mighty, and the Bob Werschler Skating Rink is where that spirit shines. It’s more than ice and boards; it’s where hockey rivalries spark, curling stones glide, school kids learn to skate, and neighbours gather to celebrate life’s moments.  

But this magic depends on a working Zamboni, and ours has taken its final lap. Through the Raise the Barn contest, we hope to bring home a “new-to-us” Zamboni and also tackle essential upgrades: a chair lift for accessibility, air conditioning for the community hall, and a rink fridge to keep events running smoothly.  

These improvements mean more than convenience; they’re creating opportunities for sports, celebrations, and togetherness. They’re about supporting physical health, mental well-being, and the sense of belonging that makes rural life special.  

At Prairie Giants Crop Supply, giving back isn’t just what we do, it’s who we are. For over 12 years, we’ve invested in surrounding communities because strong towns build strong farms. Inglis is a farming town, and its people are the backbone of everything we do. They keep the school full, the rink busy, and the “Friendly Manitoba” spirit alive.  

The rink and hall are pillars of this community, but they need care to thrive for generations to come. With your support, we can help ensure Inglis remains a place where farmers, families, and friendships flourish.  
 

Sledge Hockey Ice Surface

Sturgeon Valley Fertilizers Ltd. (Legal, AB) 

The Sturgeon Valley Fertilizers Arena & Curling Rink in Legal, Alberta is undergoing a rebuild and retrofit which will include the new feature of a Sledge Hockey ice surface! SVF alongside Legal Lion’s Club are supporting upgrades that not only provide an elevated space for traditional sports but will also embrace the spirit of accessibility and community involvement.  

Sledge Hockey is an adaptive sport for individuals with physical disabilities, allowing them to enjoy hockey using specialized sledges. By incorporating Sledge Hockey into the facility's offerings, the aim is to support a diverse range of activities that cater to all members of the community. The new Sledge Hockey ice surface will be designed specifically for the sport, catering to players' specific needs and ensuring accessibility and ease of movement.  

Sturgeon Valley Fertilizers is thrilled to partner with Legal Lions Club on this arena revamp, ensuring it remains a vital hub that welcomes everyone! This collaboration underscores our commitment to enhancing the new arena and ensuring it meets the diverse needs of our community and surrounding area. The inclusion of Sledge Hockey will not only enrich the facility's programs but also promote a greater sense of inclusivity, well-being, and community spirit! 

Community Playground

ProSoils (Rose Valley, SK)

ProSoils and the School Community Council in Rose Valley are joining forces to bring a brand-new playground to our community! The town’s only playground, which has been around for 25 years, is in dire need of an upgrade. ProSoils has already kickstarted the new playground with some fundraising, and now this is where Raise the Barn comes in! The funds raised for the new playground will help create a wonderful space that supports mental health and provides a safe haven for families in the community. At ProSoils, we value community projects like this because they lay the foundation for improving the lives of Rose Valley residents. We believe these initiatives help build strong, diverse communities that can attract and retain talent, foster business growth, and tackle any challenges that arise. 

Kids Feeding Kids Foodbank Support

Sylvite (15 locations, Ontario)

Sylvite is proud to launch the Kids Feeding Kids Challenge in collaboration with Social Impact Games. This initiative empowers children to combat hunger through engaging, community-driven challenges that also support mental health and education. Local schools and families can participate by playing an online game where social challenges—ranging from acts of kindness to environmental stewardship— directly result in meal donations for peers in need across the 15 communities we serve. With your vote, we’ll fully fund these meal donations, giving children the opportunity to make a meaningful impact. Help us raise awareness, fight hunger, and inspire the next generation of leaders!