Hussar awarded $50,000

Times Reporter      

 

The Village of Hussar got a big boost at the end of October when it was named the first $50,000 prize winner in the UFA Roots Up- Get ‘n’ Give contest. 

The Get ‘n’ Give contest was looking for projects that enrich and support rural communities. Hussar made a video for the contest where they sang about their need for ‘5 Million Pennies’ to renovate their aging community hall. The village provided a creative explanation of how the money would be spent if they won. 

“We are overwhelmed by all of the entries,” said Bob Nelson, president and CEO of UFA Co-operative Limited in a press release. “There are many deserving and heartfelt stories of what rural communities would do with $50,000 dollars, but Hussar just went that extra mile. I think every person in that whole village was singing in the video.”

“Our community hall is the cornerstone of our community. It is necessary to maintain this gathering place as a way to knit the past, present and future of our community together, to keep us connected and remind us where we come from. This money will help us achieve our goals and be a lasting legacy for UFA in keeping rural Alberta strong,” said Wendy Kaiser, Hussar & District Hall Maintenance Society in the release.

Hussar was just one of 232 applicants for the contest. UFA will be awarding five $50,000 prizes to various projects across the province.  UFA announced the five semi-finalists and soon the village of Hussar will choose the next $50,0000 winner from the list of the finalists. 

“It’s a pay-it-forward style contest, which is exactly what the co-operative spirit is all about,” said Nelson. 

The five communities running for second $50,000 giveaway are: Beymoor – Sullivan Lake West Agriculture Society; Clive – Neighbourhood Revitalization Group; Foremost – Foremost Minor Hockey, Seniors and Legacy Bridge Committee; Hand Hills – Hand Hills Lake Community Club; and Springdale -Liberty Hall Society. 

Applications will continue to be accepted for the remaining $50,000 prizes. Creativity is important, so make a video, use a photo collage, sing a song or write a compelling story that details how $50,000 would benefit your project. Rural community groups who are located within 200km of a UFA Farm & Ranch Supply store or Petroleum agency are welcome to enter. For more information, visit UFA.com/GetnGive. To view Hussar’s winning video go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GAXxPPTeF3c