A Manitoba farm family is growing their support for STARS and is challenging their fellow farmers to do the same.
The Verwey family, which operates Verwey Farms in the Portage La Prairie area, has planted 40 acres of soybeans and will donate the net profits from the crop to STARS. Verwey Farms has also challenged their fellow Manitoba farmers to show their support of STARS by following their lead.
“Living in a rural community, we think it is important to not only give back to our community, but to help keep our neighbors safe,” said Jill Verwey who noted the family was spurred to action after hearing the recent Critical Care on the Air Radiothon which aired across radio stations in Portage La Prairie, Steinbach and Winkler on May 16 and 17. “STARS helps save lives every day and continues to prove just how important the service they provide is for our rural communities. So Verwey Farms is challenging our fellow Manitoba farmers to join us in supporting STARS and the work they do to help critically ill and injured patients in our province.”
Lori Derksen, Development Officer, Events, said STARS is thankful for the support from Verwey Farms, adding that all funds raised in Manitoba stay in the province.
“The need for support from our allies is very real,” Derksen said. “STARS carries out an average of two emergency missions each day in Manitoba. The support of our allies like Verwey Farms helps keep STARS on the cutting edge of critical care and ensures that Manitobans who need emergency medical care receive it quickly.”
Derksen added that any families interested in taking up the Verwey’s challenge can contact her at 204-833-4619 or lderksen@stars.ca.
Verwey Farms would like to thank Legend Seeds, Shur-Gro/Munro Farm Supplies and Syngenta Canada for donating the seed and inputs for the crop. Also, thank you to Pro Image Signs of Portage La Prairie for their contribution to the sign that will be placed adjacent to the crop.
