In honour of Giving Tuesday, UFA is giving back to some very special organizations that help people in the communities it serves. Producers continue to struggle with mental health issues and as strong supporters of The Do More Agriculture Foundation the Co-operative is donating $5,000 to help continue to champion the well being of farmers and ranchers.
And with the holidays approaching, the need to stock the shelves at local food banks has never been more important. In honour of the farmers and producers who grow our food, UFA is donating over $15,000 to food banks in communities across the province. "Our most vulnerable neighbors are facing unique and pressing struggles," says Kim MacDonald, manager of community investment at UFA. "This Giving Tuesday and holiday season, we urge everyone to join us by giving back to help provide ongoing support to their local communities."
UFA would also like to express its concern for the BC farmers impacted by the life-changing weather events they have had to endure. BC is a key partner in the western Canadian Dairy industry and vital to the agri-food sector. The Co-operative stands in solidarity with all impacted British Columbians and pledges $5,000 to the BC Dairy Flood Recovery Fund. The funds will provide flood relief support for those that have been impacted by this catastrophic event.
"Our hearts go out to everyone impacted by the floods," says MacDonald. "We understand this is a difficult time for BC's farmers and the communities that were evacuated. The recent unprecedented flooding in BC has also once again demonstrated the strength of farming communities and the power of working together. Although we cannot replace all that has been lost, we hope the funds raised will help people begin to rebuild."
Giving Tuesday is a global movement for giving and volunteering, taking place each year after Black Friday. The "Opening Day of the Giving Season," it's a time when charities, companies and individuals join and rally for causes. In the same way that retailers take part in Black Friday, the giving community comes together for Giving Tuesday.
Giving Tuesday harnesses the potential of social media and the generosity of people around the world to bring about real change in their communities; it provides a platform for them to encourage the donation of time, resources and talents to address local challenges. It also brings together the collective power of a unique blend of partners – non-profits, civic organizations, businesses and corporations, as well as families and individuals – to encourage and amplify small acts of kindness. Across Canada and around the world, #GivingTuesday unites communities by sharing our capacity to care for and empower one another.
If you would like to join UFA and donate to the charities listed above, please visit:
The Do More Agriculture Foundation
Food Banks Canada - Find a Food Bank
BC Dairy flood recovery - BC Dairy
