A Giving Month at Belle Plaine

The giving started on November 30th - "GivingTuesday". Known as the "opening day of the giving season", GivingTuesday is a global generosity movement taking place each year after Black Friday. In the same way that retailers take part in Black Friday, the giving community comes together for GivingTuesday.

For Belle Plaine, it meant we would come together to raise over $12,000 for local school nutrition programs. The employees raised funds through department challenges, manager challenges, and fitness challenges and these were all matched by Yara. These donations will help Hunger in Moose Jaw and Regina Food for Learning provide THOUSANDS of meals for school aged kids so they will all have the opportunity for nutritious lunches to help with learning.

Belle Plaine employee Rob Wick presents $2500 to the Cancer Foundation of Saskatchewan. Rob nominated the organization as part of the "Employees Know Best" program.

During the month, employees also had an opportunity to help decide what other organizations in the community might be deserving of support. The "Employees Know Best" initiative saw organizations nominated then voted on by employees, which resulted in the Cancer Foundation of Saskatchewan and Ronald McDonald House Saskatchewan each receiving $2500 and both the Central Butte Child Care Inc, and Saskatchewan Highschool Rodeo Association receiving $500. A diverse range of organizations but it was recognized that all contribute to bettering our lives here in Saskatchewan.

Sharla Sept from Hunger in Moose Jaw accepts Belle Plaine's Giving Tuesday donation.

While Christmas brings most people a feeling of peace and joy, it can also bring sadness and stress for families that are unable to provide what many take for granted. In recognition of this, the Belle Plaine DEI team organized participation in local "Adopt a Family" programs. Employee donations were again matched by the company and over $4300 was collected! There were a lot of gifts to wrap and deliver but 7 less fortunate families in Moose Jaw and Regina will now have a Christmas that they will excitedly anticipate instead of face with anxiety.

As Yara employees, we have been mostly shielded from the devastating financial impact of COVID-19. However the generosity of this month shows that our employees clearly recognize that many of our neighbors and communities have not been as fortunate. $20,000 of giving in the month before Christmas makes a significant impact and together with Yara we have brought relief, hope and happiness to many in our community.