ONTARIO GRAIN FARMER 11 HEALTH AND WELLNESS continued on page 12 was established in 2010, an initiative now called the Legacy Fund was created from accumulated assets of the three founding organizations (Ontario Wheat Producers’ Marketing Board, Ontario Corn Producers’ Association, and Ontario Soybean Growers). The fund was used to cash flow wheat trading activities from 2010-2021 and has a current value of approximately $14 million. Through the Legacy Fund, an initiative called the Community Investment Program developed. Projects led by districts are matched 3:1 through this fund. The program supports projects such as the London Children’s Museum (an initiative led by District 3, with participation from districts 1,4,5, and 9) and the DC Vollrath Memorial Park Rejuvenation in Finch, Ont., led by District 14. It also contributes significantly to health and wellness efforts. For example, last year, District 13 took the lead in raising $20,000 for the University of Ottawa Heart Institute, to help purchase an additional MRI machine. With a second MRI, the Heart Institute can reduce wait time from three months to 30 days and increase the number of patients receiving an MRI annually from 3,000 to 4,500 (50 per cent more). With shorter wait times, clinicians will be able to diagnose faster and begin treatment plans for patients sooner, reducing the risk of complications from delays. District 13 delegate Jenn Doelman says the district supported the project because of the potential for its long-term impact -- improved community care, increased potential for local research initiatives and attracting highly skilled talent to its community. “It aligns so much with the values of Grain Farmers of Ontario,” says Doelman. She also had a personal stake in the technology; her husband Mike Doelman had major heart problems that were treated at the institute. “Our farm and our family are thriving because Mike was able to be treated in a time of crisis and receive follow-up care to help him manage his heart disease,” she says. “When we speak of farmer wellness, all of the stress and strain of farming - even our lifestyle - eventually has an impact on our hearts.” And studies show that male farmers over the age of 45 years are at an increased risk of being diagnosed with heart disease compared to non-farmers in the same demographic. Other districts are likewise leading important health and wellness projects, with support from the Community Investment Program. For example: • Palmerston and District Hospital received $20,000 from District 10 and the Community Investment Program to help purchase MRI technology and keep quality, advanced healthcare close to home and in rural communities. Currently, area residents must travel at least an hour for MRI FREE CHILDCARE ISN’T KIDS’ STUFF These sponsored programs open doors for more networking and less stress Participants at the March Classic and Women’s Grain Symposium have been pleased to find free childcare available onsite at the events. The childcare program started as an experiment, but it’s now a solid part of these two Grain Farmers of Ontario major events. Sponsored childcare arose from a casual conversation last fall with Agriculture Wellness Ontario about how free childcare could help reduce the stress that comes with organizing busy schedules and taking part in professional development events and active networking. Agriculture Wellness Ontario went on to become the childcare program’s flagship sponsor. Joanne Tichborne, Grain Farmers of Ontario’s Advertising Sales and Sponsorship Consultant, says childcare is an example of Grain Farmers of Ontario’s commitment to building a diverse community through innovative practices that remove barriers to entry. “These members are the future of our organization,” she says. “They provide an important voice and new perspectives to the work we are doing now.” Grain Farmers of Ontario plans to continue to offer childcare at this year’s Women’s Grain Symposium and at the 2027 March Classic if there is pre-registration demand.
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