Grow Glenboro hopes to bring dreams to minor sports and community projects
They say it takes a village to raise a child, and in this case, it takes a community to bring Grow Glenboro to life – a project designed to raise funds for minor sports and various community initiatives. Frank Stevens Grow Glenboro committee member commented that Robert Gudnason reached out to him and a number of local farmers with the idea of growing a crop with 50% of the profits going to Glenboro Minor Sports to be split evenly between minor hockey and ball. The other 50% would be divided amongst ongoing projects within the municipality and local organizations beyond the municipal boundaries.
Chad Berry of Under The Hill Farms committed a quarter section of land for the project, allowing the group to rent it for a number of crop years. The land, located north of Highway 2 across from the Sprucewoods Inn, is set to yield soybeans this coming year.
“This is not a one time effort – our group has committed to at least four years,” explained Stevens during a recent interview. Grow Glenboro board members, Chad Berry and Curtis Wytinck are taking care of the logistics of the field and will be organizing volunteers for spraying, seeding and combining. Stevens added that local agronomist, Derrick Shearer, has agreed to monitor the field for insects and diseases.
The eight-member Grow Glenboro committee is actively seeking donations in various forms, including seed, chemicals, fertilizer, labour and fuel, as well as monetary contributions.
To help facilitate the project, the group – led by chair Cory Forbes – has opened a Grow Glenboro account at Sunrise Credit Union, where they have secured a line of credit. For those requiring a charitable donation receipt, contributions must be made out to the RM of South Cypress. Meanwhile, donations of materials or services can be arranged through any of the committee members (Derek Mowatt, Riley Jefferies, Chad Berry, Frank Stevens, Curt Wytinck, Janice Potvin, and Robert Gudnason), including Forbes.
“Communities are constantly working on projects and Minor Sports is also always needing funds for upkeep of facilities; we are no exception,” said Stevens. No matter the type of fundraiser, it is never known how much profit will be there at the end, and this one has no assurances; but what it does offer is the opportunity to have a very high percentage of fundraising efforts completed under one large project.
Signage with the Grow Glenboro logo will be installed this summer and anyone donating $750 or more may have an individual sign as well.
Right now, the committee is ironing out details and organizing the preparations for spring seeding. Hopefully that is soon and hopefully you are able to help out!
