The Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA) has announced that CN Rail has committed up to $250,000 to CFA's Hay West campaign to help cover the shipping costs of sending hay to drought-stricken farmers in the Prairie provinces.
CN’s donation comes in twofold, an immediate $125,000 donation, and in an effort to spur monetary donations from other organizations, CN will also provide matching funding for donations from other sources, up to an additional $125,000, for a total commitment of $250,000.
It was also announced that CN’s initial cash donation will apply to the “matching donation” previously supplied by Farm Credit Canada, wherein they agreed to match up to $25,000 from any other organization, bringing the total donation from Farm Credit Canada to $50,000.
The Hay West initiative helps farmers in the West who are currently suffering from a hay shortage due to devastating drought. Farmers from the East Coast, as well as Ontario and Quebec, have committed and/or donated hay to be sent out west to help feed livestock.
All proceeds from donations go directly to paying the shipping costs for moving hay across Canada and the logistical support needed to do so. CFA currently has tens of thousands of bales of hay to be sent to the Prairie provinces, but the demand for hay is still extremely high and more is needed.
“CFA would like to extend its extreme appreciation for this donation from CN, as well as all of the other organizations who have donated to Hay West. We cannot stress how important this initiative is, as these funds go directly to helping farmers who have been struggling to feed their animals. Through these donations we are helping to save many farmers and their animals from devastation. It is truly incredible to see the amount of support and collaboration that has come together through these unfortunate circumstances, and we are grateful for everyone who has been involved,” said CFA President Mary Robinson.
CFA is still looking for contributions to cover shipping costs, as well as farmers looking to buy or supply hay.
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