By Curtis Galbraith

UFA makes another $40,000 in donations to help during the pandemic

Dec 22, 2020 | 11:25 AM

GRANDE PRAIRIE, AB — United Farmers of Alberta recently announced $40,000 in donations as part of an effort to help out during the pandemic.

That breaks down to $15,000 for STARS air ambulance, another $15,000 to help support Alberta youth that will go through 4-H Canada, and $10,000 for the Do More Ag Foundation to help its efforts to support the mental health of producers.

President and CEO Scott Bolton says UFA wanted to find a rural connection when it decided to make these donations.

“It’s in keeping with our organization’s mandate and who our membership are. STARS benefits rural communities. I don’t think there is any question of that. That was the connection there and it’s such a worthy organization, obviously.”

Bolton says UFA has supported 4-H for many years, and something to help mental health resources at a time like this had particular meaning, especially since it is focused on youth.

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He adds there is a growing need for mental health support for producers.

“Prior to the pandemic, there had been more and more emphasis and attention being paid to mental health in our farming and ranching communities, our rural communities. The challenges in agriculture that we’ve experienced have contributed to that,” said Bolton.

“It’s a very stressful profession at the best of times and farmers and ranchers have had some difficult times in Alberta.”

This comes on top of $100,000 UFA announced earlier this year. That was split among 114 food banks and other food initiatives, 72 community outreach programs, and 19 shelters located across Alberta.

“I think it’s just the coverage range that you have is not as significant or large. If you’re in an urban centre, you obviously have more outreach opportunities. I think also there is probably the case that it’s a little more difficult to get your message out.”

Earlier in the pandemic, UFA donated its remaining stock of N95 masks, 4,800 in all, to health care workers. It also partnered with the Alberta Motor Transport Association to put together 25,000 PPE kits for truckers.