July 23, 2008 (Winnipeg, MB)
James Richardson International Limited (“JRI”) and Bell Barn Society of Indian Head (“Bell Barn Society”) are pleased to announce that JRI will be a Patron Circle supporter of the reconstruction of the Bell Farm Barn, located two kilometres north of Indian Head, Saskatchewan.JRI’s donation will support the reconstruction of the barn and development of the yard site into an interpretive centre for Western Canadian Agriculture.
The Bell Farm Barn, built in 1882, is Saskatchewan’s oldest major agricultural structure and in 2006 was listed as one of Canada’s top ten endangered places by Heritage Canada. Named after Major William Bell, the barn is the only structure remaining on the original farmyard where Major Bell and the Qu’Appelle Valley Farming Company established the first corporate farm in Saskatchewan.
“We are proud to be a part of preserving the heritage of agriculture in Canada,” says JRI President Curt Vossen. “Having been in business for over 150 years, we understand the importance of preserving the past not only for the historical value, but for future generations of Canadians.”
“The gift of $50,000.00 by JRI is a tremendous boost to our fundraising efforts,” says Maurice Delage, Chairman of the Fundraising Committee for Bell Barn Society. “We are hopeful that with JRI on board, other grain companies are encouraged to step forward and support our project.”
There is also the possibility that JRI’s donation will increase to $100,000.00. In addition to its initial commitment of $50,000.00, JRI will donate fifty cents for every dollar pledged by other grain companies doing business in Saskatchewan, to a maximum of $50,000.00.
Vossen adds, “We are confident that once others are aware of the importance of this project and the significance of Major Bell and the Bell Farm Barn to the original establishment of agriculture in Western Canada, they will accept our challenge and donate at the Patron Circle level.”
Site preparation was completed in Fall 2007. The overall cost of the project is estimated at $1,000,000 and is scheduled for completion in the summer of 2009.
About James Richardson International Limited
JRI, a subsidiary of James Richardson & Sons, Limited, is the largest privately-owned Canadian agribusiness. It handles all major grains, oilseeds, and special crops and sells crop inputs and related services through farm service centres throughout Canada. JRI, which has 1,300 employees, is also actively involved in food processing through its subsidiary Canbra Foods Ltd.
About Bell Barn Society of Indian Head
The Bell Barn Society of Indian Head was established as a non-profit corporation in November 2006 to save the Bell Farm Barn from certain demise. To date, the Bell Barn Society has raised $260,000.00 in their efforts to preserve this important, historical site.
For more information please contact:
Jean-Marc Ruest
Vice-President, Corporate Affairs and General Counsel
James Richardson International Limited
Telephone: (204) 934-5488
Email: Jean-Marc.Ruest@jri.ca
Maurice Delage
Chairman, Fundraising Committee
Bell Barn Society of Indian Head
Telephone: (306) 695-3959
Email: maurice@delagefarms.c
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