Bayer Fund

Winner Stories

Real stories from Canadian farm families. Learn about some of the many ways they have helped to grow their communities.

Grant ensures community members have access to local healthcare services Grant funds for basketball court resurfacing helping to keep a community active Grant provides fundraising boost for new school gym Grant helps get nutritious food into the hands of community members in need Grant helps fund dance program connecting people to each other and their roots Grant helps National Historic Site install interpretative signage for visitors Grant funds help bring arts and recreational programming to rural communities Chatham-Kent Hospice Foundation Selected for CFGC Grant in 2020 Grunthal Caring Hands Food Bank Stocks Up With $2,500 From Bayer Fund Vermilion Mental Health Capacity Building Program Selected To Receive $2,500 Grant in 2020 Breast Cancer Survivor Dragon Boat Racing Team Keeps their Community Moving with Help From Bayer FundThanks to a $2,500 grant from Canada’s Farmers Grow Communities program (CFGC) and nominating grower Justin Nieuwenhof, Chateauguay Valley Regional High School got the boost it needed to break ground. In 2017, Seaforth, Ontario, a small farming community within Huron County, was shaken by the sudden loss of 19-year-old Tanner Steffler. Sharing in the belief that everyone should have access to safe, healthy food, Penny Marshall of Highwood Crossing Farms nominated the Okotoks Food Bank to receive a $2,500 grant from Canada’s Farmers Grow Communities program. The Gaiety Theatre in Glenboro, MB, has faced many hardships over the years. But credit the spirit of a close-knit community and a little financial boost from the Canada’s Farmers Grow Communities program (CFGC), to help the show go on. The Friends of Lamont Elementary have been working hard to raise funds to build a new playground. To help their cause, the group just received a $2,500 grant from the Canada’s Farmers Grow Communities program (CFGC). Thanks to a $2,500 grant from Canada’s Farmers Grow Communities program (CFGC) and nominating grower Kayla Bishop, the Dungannon Pro Rodeo got some much-needed help to cover their advertising costs this year. After receiving a $2,500 grant from the Bayer Fund’s Canada’s Farmers Grow Communities program (CFGC), Administrator Lynn Christianson of the Bethany Assisted Living in Wilkie, SK knew exactly what to do with the money: buy new dining furniture for the residents to enjoy. Lisa Simpson, operator of the Above & Beyond Animal Rehab centre in Kingston, Nova Scotia, recently won a $2,500 grant from the Canada’s Farmers Grow Communities Program (CFGC), that will help open her animal-assisted therapy centre scheduled for later this year. 2018 winner Dale Little from Hamiota, SK donated $2,500 to the Hamiota Aquatic Centre 2018 winner Lara Charlebois from Palmerston, ON donated $2,500 to the Local Environmental Agriculture & Food (LEAF) Program 2018 winner Dale Little from Hamiota, SK donated $2,500 to the Hamiota Aquatic Centre 2014 winner Johan Peter from Wellandport, ON donated $2,500 to the Haldimand 4-H Association. 2014 winner Harvey Baldwin from Swan River, MB donated $2,500 to Thunderhill Ski Club. 2014 winner Martin Renaud from Green Valley, ON donated $2,500 to the Valley Mastiff Rescue. 2014 winner Gordon Finnestad from St. Louis, SK donated $2,500 to the St. Louis Curling Club. 2014 winner Fred Kieser from Clyde, AB donated $2,500 to the Legal Titans 4-H Club. 2014 winner Kevin Bossert from Hanna, AB donated $2,500 to Hanna Girls Pond Hockey. 2014 winner Pauline Therriault from Donnelly, AB donated $2,500 to Falher & Area Beautification & Leisure Activities Society (FABuLAS). 2014 winner Donna Edwards from Nokomis Saskatchewan donated $2,500 to the Nokomis Child Care Centre. 2014 winner Jarrod Kuhn from Acadia Valley Alberta donated $2,500 to the Acadia Valley & District Rec. Club. 2013 winner Ryan Nevin from Rapid City Manitoba standing next to the Rapid City Elementary School. 2013 winner Arthur Enns from Morris Manitoba standing outside the Busy Nest Day Care Inc. 2013 winner Rhonda Wheeler from Strathmore Alberta standing with a food hamper shopping cart at the Strathmore and District Christmas Hamper. 2013 winner Garry Hamilton from Ormstown Quebec standing in a field. 2012 winner Chelsea Geiger from Tawatinaw Alberta holding a There’s a Heifer in Your Tank coffee mug. 2013 winner Rachel Kraynick from Canora Saskatchewan standing at the Chase Kraynick Memorial Splash Park. 2013 winner Erin Kinder from Davidson Saskatchewan standing outside the Davidson Swimming Pool.
  • Grant ensures community members have access to local healthcare services

    Saint-Louis-de-Gonzague, Quebec – Quick and easy access to healthcare is important to everyone, and COOP de Solidarité et Santé de la Famille aims to provide just that to rural families.

  • Grant funds for basketball court resurfacing helping to keep a community active

    In small communities like Sperling, public spaces act as important hubs for bringing residents together through events and recreational activities, so it’s crucial to maintain these spaces to keep them operational.

  • Grant provides fundraising boost for new school gym

    When a community comes together to work towards a common goal, great things can happen.

  • Grant helps get nutritious food into the hands of community members in need

    Access to nutritious food is something HERO’S Alliance aims to provide residents of Lac Du Bonnet through its Lunch Is On Us program, which helps individuals who are often underserved by existing programs.

  • Grant helps fund dance program connecting people to each other and their roots

    The Fort Saskatchewan Ukrainian Dance Association brings the world of Ukrainian dance to kids and adults of all ages in the small and close-knit community of Fort Saskatchewan.

  • Grant helps National Historic Site install interpretative signage for visitors

    The Old Stone Mill in Delta, Ontario is a National Historic Site that gives visitors a chance to go back in time and learn about milling technology and 1800s industrial heritage.

  • Grant funds help bring arts and recreational programming to rural communities

    Centre 48 Arts and Education works to bring arts, culture, fitness, and continuing education programming to a number of rural communities in Saskatchewan.

  • The Chatham-Kent Hospice Foundation

    The Chatham-Kent Hospice Foundation was thrilled when they won $2,500 through the Bayer Fund. A local farmer championed their cause thanks to a social media post.

  • Grunthal Caring Hands Food Bank

    Grunthal Caring Hands Food Bank was able to offer something special after winning $2,500 in 2020 through the CFGC Program.

  • VIBE Wellness

    VIBE Wellness, a charity mental health capacity building program started small and expanded to serve neighboring communities. In 2020, VIBE was selected to receive a Bayer Fund grant and it went toward much-needed materials for their programming.

  • The Rowbust Dragon Boat Racing Team

    The Rowbust Dragon Boat Racing Team received a $2,500 Bayer Fund grant in 2020 and were able to turn the annual race they organize into an online workout event.

  • Thanks to a $2,500 grant from Canada’s Farmers Grow Communities program (CFGC) and nominating grower Justin Nieuwenhof, Chateauguay Valley Regional High School got the boost it needed to break ground.

    Thanks to a $2,500 grant from Canada’s Farmers Grow Communities program (CFGC) and nominating grower Justin Nieuwenhof, Chateauguay Valley Regional High School got the boost it needed to break ground.

  • In 2017, Seaforth, Ontario, a small farming community within Huron County, was shaken by the sudden loss of 19-year-old Tanner Steffler.

    In 2017, Seaforth, Ontario, a small farming community within Huron County, was shaken by the sudden loss of 19-year-old Tanner Steffler.

  • Sharing in the belief that everyone should have access to safe, healthy food, Penny Marshall of Highwood Crossing Farms nominated the Okotoks Food Bank to receive a $2,500 grant from Canada’s Farmers Grow Communities program.

    Sharing in the belief that everyone should have access to safe, healthy food, Penny Marshall of Highwood Crossing Farms nominated the Okotoks Food Bank to receive a $2,500 grant from Canada’s Farmers Grow Communities program.

  • The Gaiety Theatre in Glenboro, MB, has faced many hardships over the years. But credit the spirit of a close-knit community and a little financial boost from the Canada’s Farmers Grow Communities program (CFGC), to help the show go on.

    The Gaiety Theatre in Glenboro, MB, has faced many hardships over the years. But credit the spirit of a close-knit community and a little financial boost from the Canada’s Farmers Grow Communities program (CFGC), to help the show go on.

  • The Friends of Lamont Elementary have been working hard to raise funds to build a new playground. To help their cause, the group just received a $2,500 grant from the Canada’s Farmers Grow Communities program (CFGC).

    The Friends of Lamont Elementary have been working hard to raise funds to build a new playground. To help their cause, the group just received a $2,500 grant from the Canada’s Farmers Grow Communities program (CFGC).

  • Thanks to a $2,500 grant from Canada’s Farmers Grow Communities program (CFGC) and nominating grower Kayla Bishop, the Dungannon Pro Rodeo got some much-needed help to cover their advertising costs this year.

    Thanks to a $2,500 grant from Canada’s Farmers Grow Communities program (CFGC) and nominating grower Kayla Bishop, the Dungannon Pro Rodeo got some much-needed help to cover their advertising costs this year.

  • After receiving a $2,500 grant from the Bayer Fund’s Canada’s Farmers Grow Communities program (CFGC), Administrator Lynn Christianson of the Bethany Assisted Living in Wilkie, SK knew exactly what to do with the money: buy new dining furniture for the residents to enjoy.

    After receiving a $2,500 grant from the Bayer Fund’s Canada’s Farmers Grow Communities program (CFGC), Administrator Lynn Christianson of the Bethany Assisted Living in Wilkie, SK knew exactly what to do with the money: buy new dining furniture for the residents to enjoy.

  • Lisa Simpson, operator of the Above & Beyond Animal Rehab centre in Kingston, Nova Scotia, recently won a $2,500 grant from the Canada’s Farmers Grow Communities Program (CFGC), that will help open her animal-assisted therapy centre scheduled for later this year.

    Lisa Simpson, operator of the Above & Beyond Animal Rehab centre in Kingston, Nova Scotia, recently won a $2,500 grant from the Canada’s Farmers Grow Communities Program (CFGC), that will help open her animal-assisted therapy centre scheduled for later this year.

  • 2018 winner Dale Little from Hamiota, SK donated $2,500 to the Hamiota Aquatic Centre

    2018 winner Dale Little from Hamiota, SK donated $2,500 to the Hamiota Aquatic Centre

  • 2018 winner Lara Charlebois from Palmerston, ON donated $2,500 to the Local Environmental Agriculture & Food (LEAF) Program

    2018 winner Lara Charlebois from Palmerston, ON donated $2,500 to the Local Environmental Agriculture & Food (LEAF) Program

  • 2018 winner Leonard Unrau from Selkirk, MB donated $2,500 to the Interlake Art Board.

    2018 winner Leonard Unrau from Selkirk, MB donated $2,500 to the Interlake Art Board.

  • 2014 winner Johan Peter from Wellandport, ON donated $2,500 to the Haldimand 4-H Association.

    2014 winner Johan Peter from Wellandport, ON donated $2,500 to the Haldimand 4-H Association.

  • 2014 winner Harvey Baldwin from Swan River, MB donated $2,500 to Thunderhill Ski Club.

    2014 winner Harvey Baldwin from Swan River, MB donated $2,500 to Thunderhill Ski Club.

  • 2014 winner Martin Renaud from Green Valley, ON donated $2,500 to the Valley Mastiff Rescue.

    2014 winner Martin Renaud from Green Valley, ON donated $2,500 to the Valley Mastiff Rescue.

  • 2014 winner Gordon Finnestad from St. Louis, SK donated $2,500 to the St. Louis Curling Club.

    2014 winner Gordon Finnestad from St. Louis, SK donated $2,500 to the St. Louis Curling Club.

  • 2014 winner Fred Kieser from Clyde, AB donated $2,500 to the Legal Titans 4-H Club.

    2014 winner Fred Kieser from Clyde, AB donated $2,500 to the Legal Titans 4-H Club.

  • 2014 winner Kevin Bossert from Hanna, AB donated $2,500 to Hanna Girls Pond Hockey.

    2014 winner Kevin Bossert from Hanna, AB donated $2,500 to Hanna Girls Pond Hockey.

  • 2014 winner Pauline Therriault from Donnelly, AB donated $2,500 to Falher & Area Beautification & Leisure Activities Society (FABuLAS).

    2014 winner Pauline Therriault from Donnelly, AB donated $2,500 to Falher & Area Beautification & Leisure Activities Society (FABuLAS).

  • 2014 winner Donna Edwards from Nokomis, SK donated $2,500 to the Nokomis Child Care Centre.

    2014 winner Donna Edwards from Nokomis, SK donated $2,500 to the Nokomis Child Care Centre.

  • 2014 winner Jarrod Kuhn from Acadia Valley, AB donated $2,500 to Acadia Valley & District Rec. Club.

    2014 winner Jarrod Kuhn from Acadia Valley, AB donated $2,500 to Acadia Valley & District Rec. Club.

  • 2013 winner Ryan Nevin from Rapid City, MB donated $2,500 to the Rapid City Elementary School.

    2013 winner Ryan Nevin from Rapid City, MB donated $2,500 to the Rapid City Elementary School.

  • 2013 winner Arthur Enns from Morris, MB donated $2,500 to Busy Nest Day Care Inc.

    2013 winner Arthur Enns from Morris, MB donated $2,500 to Busy Nest Day Care Inc.

  • 2013 winner Rhonda Wheeler from Strathmore, AB donated $2,500 to the Strathmore and District Christmas Hamper.

    2013 winner Rhonda Wheeler from Strathmore, AB donated $2,500 to the Strathmore and District Christmas Hamper.

  • 2013 winner Garry Hamilton from Ormstown, QC donated $2,500 to Exposition Ormstown.

    For years, Expo Ormstown has relied on the support and involvement of their community to provide an exciting social setting aimed at promoting agriculture awareness to young and old! The year of their 100th anniversary, Expo Ormstown needed their community’s support more than ever. In true Community Hero fashion, Garry Hamilton generously nominated Expo Ormstown and used the $2,500 CFGC grant to give back and support Expo Ormstown in their monumental 100th anniversary celebration.

  • 2012 winner Chelsea Geiger from Tawatinaw, AB donated $2,500 to There’s a Heifer in Your Tank.

    2012 winner Chelsea Geiger from Tawatinaw, AB donated $2,500 to There’s a Heifer in Your Tank.

  • 2013 winner Rachel Kraynick from Canora, SK donated $2,500 to the Chase Kraynick Memorial Splash Park.

    2013 winner Rachel Kraynick from Canora, SK donated $2,500 to the Chase Kraynick Memorial Splash Park.

  • 2013 winner Erin Kinder from Davidson, SK donated $2,500 to the Davidson Swimming Pool.

    2013 winner Erin Kinder from Davidson, SK donated $2,500 to the Davidson Swimming Pool.

Grant ensures community members have access to local healthcare services

Quick and easy access to healthcare is important to everyone, and COOP de Solidarité et Santé de la Famille aims to provide just that to rural families.

Read the full story

Grant funds for basketball court resurfacing helping to keep a community active

In small communities like Sperling, public spaces act as important hubs for bringing residents together through events and recreational activities, so it’s crucial to maintain these spaces to keep them operational.

Read the full story

Grant helps get nutritious food into the hands of community members in need

Access to nutritious food is something HERO’S Alliance aims to provide residents of Lac Du Bonnet through its Lunch Is On Us program, which helps individuals who are often underserved by existing programs.

Read the full story

Grant helps fund dance program connecting people to each other and their roots

The Fort Saskatchewan Ukrainian Dance Association brings the world of Ukrainian dance to kids and adults of all ages in the small and close-knit community of Fort Saskatchewan.

Read the full story

Grant helps National Historic Site install interpretative signage for visitors

The Old Stone Mill in Delta, Ontario is a National Historic Site that gives visitors a chance to go back in time and learn about milling technology and 1800s industrial heritage.

Read the full story

Grant funds help bring arts and recreational programming to rural communities

Centre 48 Arts and Education works to bring arts, culture, fitness, and continuing education programming to a number of rural communities in Saskatchewan.

Read the full story

Chatham-Kent Hospice Foundation Selected for CFGC Grant in 2020

The Chatham-Kent Hospice Foundation was thrilled when they won $2,500 through the Bayer Fund. A local farmer championed their cause thanks to a social media post.

Read the full story

Wadena Van Committee Wins Grant Through CFGC Program in 2020

Before Connie Anderson retired from her position on the Waden Van Committee in 2020, she found a local farmer to nominate the organization for the CFGC program. After a tough year of starting and stopping service and being unable to fundraise the usual ways, the $2,500 grant helped the committee get closer to their goal.

Read the full story

Clavet Arena Receives $2,500 Toward Upgrades from Bayer Fund


After 30 years, the Clavet Arena needed some serious upgrades. In 2020, Bill Epp, a local farmer and former volunteer nominated the Clavet Arena for the CFGC program.

Read the full story

Vermilion Mental Health Capacity Building Program Selected To Receive $2,500 Grant in 2020

VIBE Wellness, a charity mental health capacity building program started small and expanded to serve neighboring communities. In 2020, VIBE was selected to receive a Bayer Fund grant and it went toward much-needed materials for their programming.

Read the full story

Breast Cancer Survivor Dragon Boat Racing Team Keeps their Community Moving with Help From Bayer Fund

The Rowbust Dragon Boat Racing Team received a $2,500 Bayer Fund grant in 2020 and were able to turn the annual race they organize into an online workout event.

Read the full story

Chateauguay Valley Regional High School Reimagines Outdoor Learning With Help From Bayer Fund Grant

Thanks to a $2,500 grant from Canada’s Farmers Grow Communities program (CFGC) and nominating grower Justin Nieuwenhof, Chateauguay Valley Regional High School got the boost it needed to break ground. 

Read the full story

Okotoks Food Bank

Sharing in the belief that everyone should have access to safe, healthy food, Penny Marshall of Highwood Crossing Farms nominated the Okotoks Food Bank to receive a $2,500 grant from Canada’s Farmers Grow Communities program.

Read the full story

Glenboro Gaiety Theatre

The Gaiety Theatre in Glenboro, MB, has faced many hardships over the years. But credit the spirit of a close-knit community and a little financial boost from the Canada’s Farmers Grow Communities program (CFGC), to help the show go on. 

Read the full story

Friends of Lamont Elementary

The Friends of Lamont Elementary have been working hard to raise funds to build a new playground. To help their cause, the group just received a $2,500 grant from the Canada’s Farmers Grow Communities program (CFGC). Read more.

Read the full story

Dungannon Agriculture Society — Dungannon Pro Rodeo

Thanks to a $2,500 grant from Canada’s Farmers Grow Communities program (CFGC) and nominating grower Kayla Bishop, the Dungannon Pro Rodeo got some much-needed help to cover their advertising costs this year.

Read the full story

Bethany Assisted Living

After receiving a $2,500 grant from the Bayer Fund’s Canada’s Farmers Grow Communities program (CFGC), Administrator Lynn Christianson of the Bethany Assisted Living in Wilkie, SK knew exactly what to do with the money: buy new dining furniture for the residents to enjoy.

Read the full story

Above & Beyond Animal Rehab Centre

Lisa Simpson, operator of the Above & Beyond Animal Rehab centre in Kingston, Nova Scotia, recently won a $2,500 grant from the Canada’s Farmers Grow Communities Program (CFGC), that will help open her animal-assisted therapy centre scheduled for later this year.

Read the full story

Martin Renaud’s Story

Martin donated $2,500 to Valley Mastiff Rescue, a sanctuary that helps dogs receive medical attention and a loving home

North Peace 4H Club (2014 Winner)

“It’s given a big boost to the community, and it’s exciting to see it come together.”

Club De Curling De Lacolle (2015 Winner)

“It was so good to know that it wasn’t just us working on this. Help was available.”

Carmen Elementary Playground Project (2015 Winner)

“This has had a huge, positive, immediate impact on our community.”

Teeswater Ag Society (2014 Winner)

“It’s amazing to know that there’s support out there for organizations like ours.”

Joyce Johnston’s Story

I’ve always believed that farmers are the backbone of our community. – Mary Ellen Zielman, Huron County Foodbank Distribution Centre

See how Joyce helped Huron County Food Bank Distribution Centre, which supports a number of existing food banks in Huron County with vision of making hunger non-existent.

Justin Jubenville’s Story

Now the kids will have a place to play. – Justin Jubenville, Farmer

See how Justin helped Ecole Ste-Catherine in Pain Court build new playground equipment and an outdoor learning environment for the community school.

Jeff Ferguson’s Story

This money is going to touch a very special life. – Sharon Houston, Tara “Boom” Houston Children’s Foundation

The Tara “Boom” Houston Children’s Foundation lessens the financial burden for families faced with a child’s illness. See how Jeff helped.