ATHABASCA – The Athabasca District Ag Society (ADAS) is turning to locals for help with a community grant contest that awards four communities $25,000 across Western Canada.
The BASF Canada Agricultural Solutions Growing Home contest is aimed at, “Organizations that are the lifeblood of their rural communities,” with three finalists being chosen each in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario.
“$25,000 is a lot of money for a non-profit, at any level,” said Camille Wallach, president of the society. “It would help us put on more functions, keep our operation costs going and help with some capital stuff for next year.”
Wallach added that donations often get carried forward to act as the ADAS’s portion of grants that require matching funds, which is how much of the work gets done.
The society has been working on restoring and upgrading the Athabasca Agri-plex, as well as the rodeo grounds. A big goal for the society right now is the return of the Athabasca Rodeo, which was last held by the Athabasca Lions Club in 2005. Wallach said the group still has a lot of work to do before the event returns, however.
“We have to re-do the entire grounds for that, it’s quite a large project,” said Wallach. “The indoor arena, we would like do some more upgrades there as well, some more sand and some equipment, so we can do practices and rodeo events during our eight-month long winter.”
ADAS is competing against two other community groups, the Erskine Curling Club in Stettler County, and the New Humble Community School Association in Leduc County. Community members are able to vote on BASF’s website here, which will remain open until April 15, with winners announced April 30.
Wallach said the society has two main events coming up in the summer months: a “Make It” workshop May 19 will show participants how to build candles and hats, and the Summer Kickoff, June 22, will include a cornhole tournament and the return of the “HEY ATHABASCA! Show us your MEAT” barbecue contest.
