Young people across Ontario have shown their support for community needs is alive and well as members of the Junior Farmers' Association of Ontario collectively donated more than $50,000 last year. Brad Found, JFAO provincial president revealed the figure at the first JFAO board meeting for 2008-09 this past weekend.

"Wow. All I can say is that this is awesome," Found said as he made the announcement.  "This proves JF clubs are still making a difference." From running battery recycling drives to dances and social competitions to fall fair food booths, JF members in 23 clubs across Ontario volunteered hundreds of hours in their efforts throughout 2007. "Just as much thanks must go to community members who support our projects," said Found.

"It's great that we can help out in the community while having fun with other people," says Graham Johnston, a member of Peel Junior Farmers. "You often meet new people and get to share and learn about different things."

"I like to contribute my time to help people who don't have everything they want or need," says Heather Donkers of Brant JF.  "When people go out of their way to help our efforts, you really learn how the community supports what we're doing."

JF members are 15-29 and despite the historical roots of the organization, now come from all backgrounds.  Projects and organizations supported by JF clubs in 2007 include helping 4-H club members travel to provincial competitions, Canadian Foodgrains Bank, Canadian Cancer Society, local hospital foundations, Oneida Baptist Camp, the Arthritis Society, the Salvation Army,  UNICEF,  local agricultural societies, as well as food banks and several families in need.  The 2006 and 2007 JFAO Provincial Charities Camp Quality and Hincks-Dellcrest Rural Treatment Centre benefited as well with support from nearly all JF clubs, and a group of enthusiastic JF members also travelled to El Salvador in January to participate in a Habitat for Humanity build.

JFAO and its affiliated clubs provide opportunities for young people age 15-29 of all backgrounds, but especially those in rural Ontario, to take on the challenge of exploring their individual talents and potential to develop personally while being involved in bettering their communities, networking, and having fun. With the support of our Diamond Sponsors, Scotiabank, Dairy Farmers of Ontario, and Ontario Federation of Agriculture, JFAO's mission is "To Build Future Rural Leaders Through Self-Help and Community Betterment."

Shown are Tom McDonald, president, Halton-Peel Cattlemen's Association; Baldwin; Laura Boughen, president, Peel Junior Farmers; Jackie and David Thompson; Bob Brander, Abbie Brander, Tom McDonald, Stephanie Christie and Ashley Brander.

The Halton-Peel Cattlemen's Association and the Peel Junior Farmers club recently joined forces to organize a fund-raiser for the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada.

Collectively, the organizations raised $7,500, which they presented to Michelle Baldwin, of the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada, in honour of David Thompson, a local area farmer and former Peel Junior Farmer member, who was diagnosed with a brain Tumour in December 2005.

At the request of Thompson, the monies will be used by the foundation to further brain tumour research.