The North 49 Foods sow processing facility, a state-of-the-art repurposing of the mothballed JBS/XL Foods beef plant just west of town, began with a generous charitable donation during its grand opening on Oct. 27, giving $50,000 each to the Moose Jaw Health Foundation and the Moose Jaw & District Food Bank.
Allan Leung, CEO of North 49 Foods' parent company Donald's Fine Foods, announced the donation during his speech to a crowd full of government and industry dignitaries at the official grand opening. Donald's Fine Foods was founded by Allan's father Donald Leung in 1993 — Leung explained that in lieu of anniversary gifts, the family had decided to donate to local charities in the area of their newest and largest facility.
"What you'll see today is only the beginning of the transformation of the former beef plant into something that will benefit our industries and communities for decades to come," Leung said. "Our vision is to expand at this location, with this 100 acres of industrial land, with various business units that will further grow Moose Jaw into a major food production centre.
"Our organization continues to believe in the long-term future of the industry while also needing to support the local and surrounding communities of Moose Jaw and in the province. We normally present a special anniversary gift to our partners and friends on our milestones. However, for our 30-year anniversary, we decided to use this budget for community purposes instead.
"Today, we are donating $50,000 to the Moose Jaw Health Foundation, and $50,000 to the Moose Jaw Food Bank."
Terri Smith, operations manager at the Moose Jaw & District Food Bank, was first up to accept the cheque and give thanks on behalf of the food bank.
"On behalf of the staff, the volunteers, board of directors, and all of our clients, we'd like to thank the Leung family ... for this generous donation," Smith said. "Food banks across Canada have seen a dramatic increase in citizens utilizing food banks. In March 2023 alone, food banks across Canada reported 1.9 million visits, and that's in one month.
"Here in Moose Jaw, the Moose Jaw Food Bank has seen client usage increase of 39 per cent compared to last year. This donation will support us in continuing to help our friends and neighbours. Thank you."
Kelly McElree, executive director the Moose Jaw Health Foundation, said the donation from North 49 Foods was the tipping point for this year's fundraising campaign. In 2023, the Health Foundation's goal was to buy a Philips Breast Cancer MRI Coil for Breast Cancer Detection for the Dr. F.H. Wigmore Regional Hospital — McElree said they have now succeeded.
"Every day in Saskatchewan, two women are diagnosed with breast cancer, and it's a hard reality for people," McElree said. "(When I go back to my office), I'll be able to call the head of diagnostic imaging and the radiologist that had a dream of bringing an MRI breast cancer coil to our community. And because of this donation, it has pushed us over the top and we're going to be able to bring the MRI breast coil, which will be the only one outside of Regina and Saskatoon."
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