The Verwey family, which operates Verwey Farms in the Portage La Prairie area, announced earlier this year they had planted 40 acres of soybeans with the intention of donating the net profits to STARS.
Recently, they presented a cheque for $22,351 to STARS, a figure that well exceeded their initial goal of $16,000.
“Living, working and taking part in recreational activities in rural Manitoba comes with the inherent risks of possible accidents in areas that are not easily accessed by emergency services,” said Jill Verwey. “STARS in Manitoba has become an invaluable asset to our communities, providing emergency medical services and transportation to larger centres like Winnipeg.”
Lori Derksen, STARS’ development officer, events, said this was the first time a family or organization had planted a crop and donated the proceeds to STARS. She said the non-profit, charitable organization is grateful for the support of the Verweys.
“Allies like Verwey Farms are critical to STARS as we work to stay on the cutting edge of critical care,” Derksen said. “These donations also ensure that the next time a Manitoban requires immediate life-saving critical care STARS will be there for them.”
In typical Manitoba fashion, a number of groups came together to ensure Growing for STARS was a success. Verwey thanked Legend Seeds, Shur-Gro/Munro Farm Supplies and Syngenta Canada Inc. for donating the seed and inputs for the crop, as well as Pro Image Signs of Portage La Prairie for their contribution to the sign that was placed adjacent to the field. She added that Richardson Pioneer in Dundonald assisted with the sale and pricing of the soybeans.
The Verweys have also challenged their fellow farm families to support STARS in a similar fashion in 2019.
“We wanted to do our part in contributing this donation to STARS, as we feel their continued service in our province is essential,” she said. “We hope that in the future other family farming operations might take up the Growing for STARS challenge.”
Derksen added that STARS, inspired by Verwey Farms, will launch an expanded Growing for STARS campaign in 2019. She said any interested parties may contact her at 204-833-4619 or lderksen@stars.ca.
