We’re Celebrating our Donations to the Community!
More than $80,000 will be given to local charities, service clubs and not-for-profit organizations on Thursday, June 13. The money is the first round of funds generated by the highly successful 2018 International Plowing Match and Rural Expo (IPM 2018), which was hosted by a Chatham-Kent citizens’ committee and many volunteers last September near Pain Court. Everyone is invited to the presentation ceremony, called Filling the Furrow – IPM 2018 Donation Night, which will include presentations, networking, refreshments and a cash bar.
“We are thrilled to be giving back to so many organizations,” says Leon Leclair, Co-Chair of IPM 2018. “The hard work of so many people will be manifested in this round of donations – and this will make a real difference to many local organizations.”
The 2018 International Plowing Match and Rural Expo cost Chatham-Kent taxpayers nothing for municipal services such as police, fire, EMS and water. These services were paid for by the local Match.
“We were very happy to be able to repay the loan the municipality gave us before the event even started,” said Co-Chair Darrin Canniff.”In years past, other host municipalities and counties had donated hundreds of thousands of dollars toward their matches. Our event operated without this kind of donation and we paid for any extra services at no extra cost to Chatham-Kent taxpayers.”
To host IPM 2018, the Ontario Plowmen’s Association formed presenting partnerships with the Municipality of Chatham-Kent, Ontario Mutual Insurance Association, BMO Bank of Montreal and Hydro One. In addition, the local IPM 2018 Executive Committee recruited local sponsors, about 50 IPM 2018 community committees and 1,000 volunteers. From September 18 to 22, more than 70,000 visitors enjoyed plowing competitions, a wide range of cultural performances, and agriculture, business and tourism displays.
7:00 PM, Thursday June 13
Dresden Arena – Banquet Hall
1212 North Street
Dresden ON N0P 1M0
