Two-year partnership supports 4-H Canada and Do More Ag Foundation
United Farmers of Alberta Co-operative Limited ("UFA") announced a $50,000 commitment today to support two mental health programs created by 4-H Canada and the Do More Ag Foundation.
Of the $50,000 commitment, $40,000 will support 4-H Canada and its new Healthy Living Initiative for rural youth. The remaining funds will be directed to the Do More Agriculture Foundation. Both initiatives are for a two-year period.
"We know that healthy emotional and social development in early years sets the foundation for mental health and resiliency throughout life," says Carol Kitchen, President and CEO of United Farmers of Alberta Co-operative Ltd. "We need to support our youth, especially in rural communities, and the 4-H Canada Healthy Living is the first step towards doing better."
"We are also pleased to be partnering with like-minded organizations such as Do More Ag in support of all the work they have done in such a short period of time to raise the awareness of mental health," says Kitchen. "The work the agriculture industry is doing to elevate the importance of mental health will allow us to come together co-operatively and build a community of support with resources for those impacted and affected."
4-H Canada's Healthy Living Initiative is in response to the critical needs of youth in rural communities in Canada. The first year of the initiative, which begins Spring, 2019, will see the creation of resources and tools that will support youth facing mental health challenges and demonstrates how to access resources and recognize when a peer needs support. The second year of the initiative will focus on physical health, nutrition and well-being.
"Thanks to the support of industry partners like UFA Co-operative Limited, 4-H Canada's Healthy Living Initiative will be able to address the mental and physical needs of youth across the country," says Shannon Benner 4-H Canada CEO. "The resources created through this initiative will train volunteers and offer resources that help recognize youth in distress and provide the access to support they need. As a positive youth development organization it is important to us that we have open dialogue and provide solutions to the needs of our youth."
The Do More Ag Foundation launched earlier this year to create awareness about mental health in agriculture where all producers are encouraged, empowered and supported to take care of their mental well-being.
"The support we receive from the industry and partners like UFA makes it possible for us to create initiatives and programs to ensure producers across Canada are supported and encouraged to take care of their mental wellbeing. We are so thankful for their support," says Kim Keller, co-founder of the Do More Ag Foundation.
UFA is committed to mental health awareness and education by supporting these two important agriculture organizations.
About UFA Co-operative Limited:
Founded in 1909, UFA Co-operative Limited is an Alberta-based agricultural co-operative with more than 120,000 member-owners. UFA's network comprises more than 111 bulk fuel and Cardlock Petroleum locations, 35 Farm & Ranch Supply stores and a support office located in Calgary, AB. Independent Petroleum Agents and more than 1,200 UFA employees provide products, services and agricultural solutions to farmers, ranchers, members and commercial customers in Alberta, British Columbia and Saskatchewan.
About 4-H Canada
For over 100 years, 4-H Canada has been one of the most highly respected positive youth development organizations in Canada. 4-H Canada has close to 25,000 members and more than 7,700 volunteer leaders. Our goal is to help young Canadians "Learn To Do By Doing" in a safe, inclusive and fun environment. We believe in nurturing responsible, caring and contributing youth leaders who are committed to positively impacting their communities across Canada and around the world. To learn more about 4-H Canada, please visit 4-h-canada.ca and follow our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages.
About Do More Ag
Do More Ag is helping to realize this culture in agriculture by creating awareness about mental health and breaking the stigma that currently exists while building a community of support and resources for those impacted and affected. Do More Ag operates under three pillars: awareness, community and research. As a Canada-wide not-for-profit organization, these pillars drive our focus and efforts across the Ag industry. By collaborating with the entire industry and those working to address the state of mental health in agriculture, we can and will make a substantial impact. For more information, visit www.domore.ag.
