SSGA's Campaign in Support of SK's Food Banks Enters its 5th Year

SSGA's Campaign in Support of Saskatchewan's Food Banks Enters its Fifth Year

Once again the Saskatchewan Stock Growers are partnering with the Food Banks of Saskatchewan to make top quality Saskatchewan beef available to people in need. This will be the fifth consecutive year for the SSGA’s beef donation campaign.

SSGA President, Kelcy Elford stressed the importance of this year’s effort, “Given the impact of COVID-19 on employment in our province, the beef donated by our members and supporters will be especially appreciated”.

That appreciation was extended by Laurie O’Connor, Executive Director, Food Banks of Saskatchewan who commended Stock Growers for their support, “Our ranchers not only understand tough times, they also understand that even the best laid plans can go sideways. When the worst happens, they band together to lend a hand to neighbours and friends, just like they have done for communities across the province with this very special donation.”

Elford explains that, ”Making the Beef Drive work involves two types of donation – our members and supporters commit to donating all or part of an animal and that effort is supported by cash donations that go toward having the beef processed.”

“We are pleased to announce that once again Cargill Animal Nutrition and Health will be sponsoring the Beef Drive by agreeing to match cash donations in support of our meat processing requirements -- up to $5,000,” added Elford.

Shannon Borden, Cargill Animal Nutrition Beef Sales Manager Canada reported, ”We are now in our third year as a sponsor for the Beef Drive and are grateful again to see the difference our industry can make when we work together to bring wholesome nutritious food to Saskatchewan food banks.” The SSGA launched its first Beef Drive in October 2016 in conjunction with World Food Day. To date, over 31,000 pounds of ground beef has been collected for the Food Banks of Saskatchewan, amounting to a retail value of over $145,000.

SSGA President Kelcy Elford notes, “The Beef Drive has caught on with members and we expect this year’s donations to approach 10,000 pounds.” Elford recalls, “The fire was lit back in 2016 when SSGA Past President Doug Gillespie donated an animal and challenged other Past Presidents to match him. We expect that sort of enthusiasm will contribute to another successful year for the Beef Drive. B

For more information on how to participate in the Beef Drive by donating meat or to make a cash contribution contact the SSGA office at (306) 757-8523.

SSGA BEEF DRIVE

HELP FIGHT HUNGER THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

DONATE LIVESTOCK OR $ TO HELP PROVIDE NUTRITIOUS BEEF TO SK FAMILIES IN NEED. DONATE TODAY BY GOING TO: WWW.SKSTOCKGROWERS.COM/BEEF-DRIVE OR CALL (306) 757-8523