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Prairie Agricultural Societies receive grants from farm equipment dealer

Nov 4, 2021 | 3:41 PM

MELFORT, Sask. — Rocky Mountain Equipment (RME) will provide $10,000 each to four ag societies in Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Alberta.

RME launched the Right by You grant program to show their commitment to the communities they serve across western Canada.

There was a strong response to the program with 120 applications for projects that would enhance the lives of community members.

Marwayne, Alta. Ag Society Board member Carolyne Clayton said the grant will be used to purchase a new hockey score clock.

“The arena is a place for the whole community to gather,” Clayton said. “Making the hockey experience better for the kids and community is something we’ve been wanting to do for years.”

Disc golf is growing in popularity. Alberta’s Drumheller Stampede and Agricultural Society spokesperson Alicia Smith said the money they received will be used to build a championship style 18 basket disc golf course at the grounds.

“It will build a connection to our community. It’ll offer a low-cost sport with low barriers to everyone that wants to play,” Smith said.

The Melfort, Sask. Agricultural Society will focus their grant money on accessibility.

General manager Kim Eskowich said modifications will be made to the grandstand providing better accessibility to patrons with mobility issues.

“In addition to installing a paved pathway from the fair grounds, we’ll be rebuilding a user-friendly ramp and viewing platform,” Eskowich said.

A new playground structure is something Manitoba’s Hamiota Agricultural Society has been needing for some time. Spokesperson Kristi Argue said the current equipment was old and needed a lot of attention.

“For the safety of the kids and the community, a new structure would be very helpful,” Argue said.

RME is the largest independent agricultural equipment dealer in Canada that employs nearly 800 people directly and serves tens of thousands of customers through 36 dealerships across the prairies.

The company will be accepting applications for the next round of the Right by You Ag Society Grant in 2022.

alice.mcfarlane@pattisonmedia.com

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