Charitable Donations
In recent months, Viterra and our employees have made significant financial contributions to various disaster relief funds, charitable organizations and industry associations, including but not limited to the following:
Kinsmen Telemiracle
Viterra is a proud supporter of the annual Kinsmen Foundation telethon which raises funds to support those with special needs or requiring assistance to access medical treatment. In 2012, Viterra matched the first $100,000 contributed by shareholders in a share redemption program that raised a total of $418,859.91.
Canadian Food for Children
Adding to this monetary contribution, Viterra's Oat milling business donated 48,000 pounds of rolled oats to Canadian Food for Children, an organization that collects food and distributes it to those in need in developing countries.
Australian Flood Relief / Queensland Premier’s Disaster Relief Appeal
Following the widespread flooding throughout eastern Australia in late 2010 and early 2011, Viterra contributed $75,000 to local flood relief projects in the rural areas where the Company is located.
In addition to the money distributed directly to community flood relief projects, Viterra’s employees with help from the Company made a $14,000 donation to the Queensland Premier’s Disaster Relief Appeal.
New Zealand Red Cross 2011 Earthquake Appeal
To aid rescue and relief efforts in the wake of New Zealand’s February 2011 earthquake, Viterra contributed $75,000 to the New Zealand Red Cross 2011 Earthquake Appeal. Viterra employees raised an additional $20,000 to help New Zealand colleagues get back on their feet.
Red Cross Japanese Earthquake Asia-Pacific Tsunami Response Fund
The Red Cross initiated a Japanese Earthquake Asia-Pacific Tsunami Response Fund after a powerful earthquake and tsunami struck Japan in March 2011. Viterra has donated $75,000 to this fund to support Japanese disaster relief and reconstruction efforts.
Viterra employees also showed compassion for those in the quake and tsunami affected areas of Japan by giving to the Red Cross and taking part in other fundraising activities. Together, Viterra employees around the world raised $5,000 to donate to Japanese reconstruction.
Canadian Foodgrains Bank
Viterra is a long-term supporter of the Canadian Foodgrains Bank, an organization dedicated to ending hunger in developing countries. In 2009 and 2010 we made donations of fertilizer, proprietary seed, and crop protection products that totaled $75,000 in support of growing projects. In 2011 our Company increased its commitment by supporting 45 different growing projects to a dollar value of more than $100,000.
Food Bank
Viterra and its employees help local food banks to alleviate hunger by taking part in annual food drives and making personal financial contributions. For instance, in 2009, Viterra donated 8,700 pounds of food and 1,000 pounds of oats to the Regina Food Bank, and in 2010, the Company supported the Calgary Food Bank with 2,000 pounds of food and a monetary donation.
KidSport / Don Narcisse All-Star Event
Viterra believes that all children should have the opportunity to benefit from participating in organized sports. KidSport attempts to remove the financial barriers that prevent kids from becoming active. Viterra’s donations to this organization have resulted in more children playing organized sports and living healthier lifestyles. In 2011 Viterra was proud to increase our commitment to KidSport by becoming the title sponsor of the first annual Don Narcisse All-Star Event, which raised more than $40,000 for KidSport.
Souls Harbour Rescue Mission
Souls Harbour Rescue Mission is a Regina non-profit organization that offers food, clothing, shelter, and recovery programs to those in the community. Aided by corporate matching, Viterra’s Regina employees contributed generously to enable our Company to purchase 1,000 meals for those in need over the 2010 holiday season.
United Way
The United Way’s mission is to improve lives and strengthen communities by engaging individuals and mobilizing collective action. Viterra and our employees have supported the fundraising efforts of the United Way for many years. In past years, with the help of corporate matching, our employees have come together to raise funds in excess of $10,000.
Z99 Radiothon
In March 2010, Viterra employees led fundraising initiatives that raised more than $11,000 for the 24th Annual Z99 Radiothon. All proceeds were donated to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in Regina’s Rawlco Centre to purchase essential equipment. In total, the Z99 Radiothon raised over $381,000 for the NICU.
Agriculture in the Classroom
Viterra supports Agriculture in the Classroom in Alberta, Manitoba and Saskatchewan. This program promotes agricultural education and awareness to children in school. Agriculture in the Classroom provides balanced, factual information to teachers and students and encourages young people to make educated decisions relating to food, environment, careers and lifestyle.
Farmers with Disabilities
Viterra is proud to support Farmers with Disabilities through an ongoing financial commitment to the Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba chapters. This money supports the groups’ efforts to educate farmers and the public about farm safety.
Additional Charitable Organizations
Viterra and its employees also regularly make donations to community-based organizations devoted to enhancing health in our communities through research, programs, and services. Employees have taken part in a variety of fundraising initiatives to contribute to worthy organizations including Saskatchewan Brain Injury Association, Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada, The Arthritis Society, Canadian Cancer Society, Prostate Cancer Canada, Children’s Wish Foundation, and the CURE Foundation. Viterra is proud of the generosity of our employees and is pleased to have supplemented their charitable efforts with corporate support.
