Canada (Rural Roots Canada) – BASF Agricultural Solutions Canada has announced the winners of its 2025 Growing Home initiative, with nine organizations in Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Ontario receiving a share of the $160,000 prize pool to support community-building efforts in rural areas.
In Saskatchewan, PlayFair Daycare in Meadow Lake received $25,000 to help complete the construction of a second daycare facility, adding 90 new childcare spots in the community. Little Seedling Daycare was awarded $10,000, while Farm It Forward, a farm-based mental health initiative, received $5,000.
In a statement, PlayFair Daycare said it was an honour to be selected as one of the winners. “The second location will help reduce childcare shortages in the community and create an enriching environment for learning and growth.”
In Manitoba, The Boissevain School Parent Advisory Council Playground Committee received $25,000 towards building an inclusive, accessible school playground. The Louise Aquatic Centre was awarded $10,000, while Hero’s Alliance, which supports youth development, was awarded $5,000.
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“Our community has been working together to transform our existing school playground into an inclusive and accessible outdoor space that can accommodate children of all abilities,” said The Boissevain School Parent Advisory Council Playground Committee. “Winning this prize is encouraging to everyone who has been involved. It allows us to bring this new playground to our community sooner than we ever imagined. We are so grateful!”
Finally, in Ontario, Palmerston and District Hospital Foundation earned the top prize of $25,000 towards the purchase of an MRI machine to help address the lengthy wait times for rural residents. The Kiwanis Club of Petrolia and Area received $10,000, and Gateway Centre of Excellence in Rural Health was awarded $5,000.
“This prize will support our local hospital’s monumental task of bringing MRI technology to our rural community,” said the Palmerston and District Hospital Foundation. “With residents waiting an average of 133 days for access to MRI scanning, it will help local farmers and community members access the timely and reliable medical care they deserve.”
The Growing Home with BASF initiative recognizes organizations that play a pivotal role in rural life. The winners were selected through public voting after nominations from local growers. All 12 finalists
Now in its third year, Growing Home with BASF aims to recognize and strengthen organizations that play a vital role in rural life.
“The enthusiasm and participation we have seen in recent years demonstrate how truly important organizations like these are to their communities,” said Leta LaRush, Vice President of BASF Agricultural Solutions Canada. “We are proud to support local organizations and community initiatives that create long-term growth and success in agricultural communities across Canada.”
