Donors
The Prairie Innovation Centre is the cornerstone of the future in agriculture-related training at the college.
The college launched the Prairie Innovation Centre campaign in 2019 and has increased its fundraising goal twice, from $10 to $15 million, now nearing in on a new $20 million goal. In January 2023, the Province of Manitoba made an initial commitment of $10 million toward design and costing.
If you're interested in getting involved, contact foundation@assiniboine.net to discuss this opportunity.
DONORS
Sunrise Credit Union - $1 Million
Assiniboine has received a major donation of $1 million from Sunrise Credit Union, the largest philanthropic donation in the college’s history, to support agricultural training opportunities at the college.
Guild/HMS Insurance Group - $10,000
Mid-Plains Implements - $50,000
As a company that deals directly with the needs of agricultural producers, Mid-Plains Implements sees the value in investing in Assiniboine's vision for the future of agriculture. They've contributed $50,000 toward the Prairie Innovation Centre project.
Wawanesa Insurance - $100,000
As a longtime partner with longstanding roots in agriculture, Wawanesa Insurance has contributed $100,000 to the Prairie Innovation Centre.
Watch the announcement:
Compass Credit Union - $25,000
An historical and community connection inspired Compass Credit Union to come aboard the Prairie Innovation Centre project with a $25k contribution.
Manitoba Canola Growers - $100,000
A longtime supporter of the college and an important commodity association within the province, the Manitoba Canola Growers Association is a valued contributor to the Prairie Innovation Centre. The MCGA has come aboard the project as a sponsor of the Collaboration Zone within the Centre.
Manitoba Pulse & Soybean Growers - $200,000
The Collaboration Zone within the Prairie Innovation Centre welcomes the Manitoba Pulse & Soybean Growers as an industry sponsor. Adding to previous funding and support for applied research, the college looks forward to continuing an important partnership with MPSG.
Mazergroup - $500,000
Mazergroup is a Westman-born agricultural staple and we're thrilled to welcome their support for the Prairie Innovation Centre. An important partner to the college, member of the agriculture industry, and vital part of the Westman community, we look forward to continuing our work and cooperation with Mazergroup.
Manitoba Crop Alliance - $100,000
The Manitoba Crop Alliance is an important organization in Manitoba’s agricultural landscape, representing five key commodities in the province: spring and winter wheat, sunflowers, corn, barley and flax. The unification of these commodities under MCA respresents a great example of evolving with industry needs, much like the college is looking to do with the Prairie Innovation Centre. Assiniboine is pleased to welcome their support.
Ron and the late Vera Helwer, Shur-Gro Farm Services - $500,000
Longtime presence in Westman agriculture, Ron Helwer, has donated $500K to the Prairie Innovation Centre. He and his late wife Vera started their life in Westman in 1968.
It was a pleasure to announce this donation among friends at the Brandon Chamber luncheon on November 25 to hear Ron announce his contribution and speak about his ag journey.
Gord & Diane Peters and the Brandon Area Community Foundation - $500,000
Assiniboine’s Prairie Innovation Centre for Sustainable Agriculture is welcoming a $500,000 donation from local community and business leaders, Gord and Diane Peters and the Brandon Area Community Foundation (BACF).
The Peters’ are no strangers to Westman and are well-known for supporting various community projects. In 2009, they set up a partnership with the Brandon Area Community Foundation to facilitate long-term giving.
Rocky Mountain Equipment - $100,000
Local agricultural equipment dealer, Rocky Mountain Equipment (RME), has generously contributed $100,000 to Assiniboine's Prairie Innovation Centre in hopes that this project will attract new interest to the ag industry to better serve the farming community.
D&B Sprinklers - $25,000
Assiniboine continues to engage partners who see the value in the future of agriculture in Manitoba, and the college is pleased to announce that D&B Sprinklers has recently pledged $25,000 to support the Prairie Innovation Centre.
Murray Auto Group and Doug & Laurie Murray - $100,000
Both longtime supporters of the college, Murray Auto Group and Doug & Laurie Murray recognize the value of agriculture to the province. Support from these community leaders further instills that the Prairie Innovation Centre is the right project, at the right time, in the right community.
CEL Group of Companies - $250,000
CEL Group of Companies has committed $250K to provide equipment for the Prairie Innovation Centre. CEL produces controlled environments for plant growth and will provide the best-suited equipment for the anticipated applications.
Crane Steel Structures - $125,000
Well-known Brandon and Westman business leader, Crane Steel Structures, has donated $125,000 to the future of agriculture at Assiniboine in the Prairie Innovation Centre.
MNP - $1 Million
Assiniboine received a $1 million donation from Brandon-founded, national professional services firm, MNP. The donation, made in honour of the late Don Penny, who co-founded the firm in 1958, will help to create space for collaboration among farmers, industry, students and government.
Maxim Truck and Trailer - $100,000
Assiniboine’s Prairie Innovation Centre for Sustainable Agriculture is welcoming a $100,000 donation from Maxim Truck & Trailer, a Manitoba headquartered heavy-duty truck and trailer dealership. The Prairie Innovation Centre is Assiniboine’s vision for the future of agriculture in Manitoba, and will address industry and economic needs in this important sector.
Atom-Jet Group - $60,000
Atom-Jet Group has donated $60,000 to support Assiniboine’s Prairie Innovation Centre. The contribution commemorates a notable milestone of 60 years in business and longstanding roots in the community.
Edwards Family - $4,000,000
Assiniboine Community College announced the naming of the Russ Edwards School of Agriculture & Environment. Russ Edwards, founder and owner of WGI Westman Group, has been a leader in the business community for nearly 50 years, and a champion at the forefront of the agricultural sector across the Prairies.
Redfern Farm Services - $125,000
Redfern Farm Services has donated $125,000 to support Assiniboine’s Prairie Innovation Centre for Sustainable Agriculture. The contribution commemorates a notable milestone of 50 years in business and longstanding commitments to the college and the community.
Johnston Group - $50,000
Assiniboine Community College’s Prairie Innovation Centre for Sustainable Agriculture has received $50,000 from Johnston Group.
Simplot Canada - $100,000
Assiniboine Community College’s Prairie Innovation Centre for Sustainable Agriculture has received $100,000 from Simplot Canada Ltd. The Prairie Innovation Centre will create an enhanced agricultural training capacity, increasing seats in agriculture, environment and related technology programs from 300 to more than 800 to fill the growing agricultural labour gap.
Alternative Group Inc. - $50,000
Assiniboine Community College’s Prairie Innovation Centre for Sustainable Agriculture has received $50,000 from Alternative Group Inc. in celebration of 25 years in business. The Prairie Innovation Centre is Assiniboine's vision for expanding agriculture training in Manitoba.
Thorpe Construction. - $25,000
Assiniboine Community College’s Prairie Innovation Centre for Sustainable Agriculture has received $25,000 from Thorpe Construction. The Prairie Innovation Centre is Assiniboine's vision for expanding agriculture training in Manitoba.
Cenovus - $300,000
Cenovus Energy is donating $300,000 toward Assiniboine Community College’s Prairie Innovation Centre for Sustainable Agriculture and Chemical Engineering Technology program.
Anonymous - $10,000,000
A $10 million donation has just put the planned Prairie Innovation Centre for Sustainable Agriculture closer to reality. This donation, from a philanthropist who wishes to remain anonymous for the time being, plays a pivotal role in the next steps for the marquee project for the newly minted Russ Edwards School of Agriculture and Environment at Assiniboine Community College.
McCain Foundation - $100,000
Assiniboine Community College’s Prairie Innovation Centre for Sustainable Agriculture has received $100,000 from the McCain Foundation. Agriculture and food are the largest areas of applied research at Assiniboine. The Prairie Innovation Centre will provide an integrated learning environment with a mixture of collaborative learning spaces, applied research labs, multipurpose spaces, and amenities.