posted
on Friday, December 22, 2023
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News
One of the convictions of Premier Equipment is ‘to be a positive partner’ in the communities that we live, work and play. “We are very thankful for our customers, staff and the opportunity to do business in the agriculture and light construction business in southern Ontario. We are happy to be able to give back in various ways by supporting local fairs, ag societies, industry groups and community initiatives. To further our efforts we are glad to be able to help support a network of foodbanks, school food programs and other charities to help those in need this season,” says Allan Dueck, Co-CEO of Premier Equipment.
Premier had a number of store teams leading the charge with local initiatives.
The Ospringe location staff organized a Toy and Food Drive supporting a local church outreach program which yielded over $1,000 in donations, plus a $2,000 donation from Premier.
The Listowel staff does fundraising year-long with internal programs and events – which raised and donated nearly $2,000 worth of potatoes sourced from Tupling Farms (an Alliston location customer) – supporting 6 foodbanks in Wellington North and North Perth, which was matched by $2,000 from Premier supporting the United Way – Huron Perth.
The Smithville location conducted a winter coat and toy drive and – plus internal fundraising with casual Friday’s, fundraising BBQs which lead over $500 in cash, over 30 coats, as well as boots and other winter apparel – plus a $2,000 donation from Premier all in support of West Lincoln Community Care.
The Norwich location is on a 38 acre property, dealership facilities reside on 10 acres, 28 acres are farmed in conjunction with Stubbe’s Pre-Cast and Veldale Farms. Premier’s portion of the proceeds on this year’s corn crop equalled approximately $12,500 – which was donated to four foodbank organizations in Brant, Norfolk and Oxford Counties.
In addition to the above Premier store teams organized donations to foodbanks and school programs in the Alliston area, Oxford, Tavistock, Waterloo and Woolwich – totaling $10,000.
Lastly, is a unique opportunity for Premier. ERTL, the main manufacturer of toy and model farm equipment does a special program with ‘Willy Wonka’ flair. When dealers order featured toys (perhaps anniversary or special edition models) ERTL will randomly replace standard items with GOLD or SILVER or a Special Edition version. These are very rare, but because Premier orders and carries such an array – often there are several special edition models arrive with toy shipments over the course of a year. Premier holds these units back for an annual Facebook auction in December – where proceeds are donated to FIDA productive cooperatives in Haiti. FIDA is an organization Premier has partnered with for nearly 10 years providing resources and training to support farm cooperatives providing sustainability in rural Haiti. This year’s auctions are closing in on $11,000 in funds raised.
“We are very proud of our store teams and their efforts and are humbled at the opportunity and ability to provide support to those in need – both locally and abroad,” says Co-CEO, Ian Verbeek.
All tolled Premier donations this Christmas season amount to over $40,000.