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OVSGA CONTRIBUTES TO CHEO, FARM ORGANIZATIONS May 2, 2003 The Ottawa Valley Seed Growers Association has confirmed a $5,000 donation to the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, money raised during the Prestigious Pedigreed Seed Sale held during the 2003 Ottawa Valley Farm Show at Ottawa's Lansdowne Park, March 18-20. Under the gavel of professional auctioneer and OVSGA director John Joynt, proceeds were raised through the sale of bags of seed and other items, including a piece of rural/agricultural art, this year from Arnprior artist Kevin Dodds. Over 12 years, the sale has collected a total of $45,000 for CHEO. This year, CJOH news anchor Max Keeping was guest of honour. OVSGA directors also responded to requests for support from several agricultural organizations when they met April 29 at Kemptville, voting to give the Strawfest beef show organization $1,500 towards this year's event to be held June 21 at Carp fairgrounds. Directors were persuaded by Strawfest representatives who indicated the annual show attracted 160 entries last year and could reach 200 in 2003. Participation in Strawfest is restricted to ages 10-21. One of the OVSGA goals, explained president Lynda McCuaig, is to encourage young people to remain in farming. With that in mind, directors also decided to contribute to three 4-H levels: $1,000 to the regional organization, $750 to Ontario 4-H, and $750 to the Canadian organization. Also receiving contributions from the OVSGA were the Central Canada Exhibition Association for its agricultural component ($750); Russell Agricultural Society ($500); and district zones of the Ontario Association of Agricultural Societies for the whole wheat bread competition ($150). McCuaig said positive returns from the Farm Show over the past several years make such donations possible. Aided by excellent weather on two of the three days, attendance was up slightly in 2003 and reviews were good for new exhibits on the Civic Centre Concourse. In other business, directors authorized their executive and general manager to continue lobbying the City of Ottawa for the use of Lansdowne's Horticultural Building in order to bring livestock back to the next Farm Show, to be held March 16, 17 and 18, 2004. FOR MORE INFORMATION: Lynda McCuaig, OVSGA, (613) 822-0884. |