Partners

What becoming a Sponsor can Do!

Derek Armstrong

Over the past several years I have had the opportunity to share my thoughts as they pertain to the relationships MFWD has been able to cultivate and maintain. This is not only with our members and financial stakeholders, but with other like-minded organizations that share our vision and objectives.

I have been very fortunate to work with such a committed board and support team inside of the organization. It is by no small feat that MFWD continues to grow. If we look within, it is clear that we have a mandate from our members to have a positive impact on the agricultural sector's injury and fatality rates. This is done via the volunteers dogged determination to share the message of safety with all who will listen. The amount of planning, travel and time our volunteers offer is substantial and can not be minimized, as it is this effort that drives the gains we make.

I noted the relationships that we have with our financial stakeholders. Their support allows this organization to reach out to those in need. As a stakeholder it sometimes comes down to budgetary constraints and decisions on "who can have the most positive impact with the funding we might provide" This question must also be rewarded with an answer from MFWD stating that, it is your support with physical resources, industry feedback and financial contributions that really allow us to get the job done!

If we look back over the past several years, MFWD has been in the forefront of education and lobbying for change. This could not have occurred without the support given by our stakeholders for which we say thanks. The organization has grown and in doing so, fills a critical need in the agricultural sector. As an organization we can encourage members to voice their opinions and help set a vision, we can also continue to partner with financial stakeholders who see the value in the goals of this organization. But there is one more ingredient in the mix. The ingredient is in direct relation to who we partner with to assist in provision of resources and information.

As an organization we must have clear lines of communication with industry groups, legislators, other like organizations as well as special interest groups associated with agriculture. MFWD has been able to work with manufacturers, educators, and standards development organizations as well as other Agricultural Safety Groups. These relationships have proven successful as we continue to not only maintain our existing services, but work to offer more programs to the farmers, ranchers and workers of Manitoba.

With respect to these comments, it is this focus that allows MFWD to have a clear vision. Our members, stakeholders and program partners very seldom hear the stories of how efforts to alter equipment design have proven that a machine can be made safer and at the same time less cumbersome to work on. They may not hear about those who were able to move on after a debilitating injury, or how resources and support counselling by MFWD was able to help them during their recovery.

One of the most rewarding things that we as an organization are able to share and measure ourselves against, is when we travel to safety days and school safety events. Children remember not only the message but also how the volunteer impacted their family with the message of safety.

In saying this, I once again say thank you. It is your continued commitment to MFWD that allows us to move forward.

The Board of Manitoba Farmers with Disabilities thank you for your continued support.