Farmers helping out
With over 20,000 farms across the province, Manitoba has
a significant farming community. And, like most communities,
it's close-knit: when there's an accident, it can affect everyone
- and that's where Farmers with Disabilities in Manitoba comes
in.
Farmers with Disabilities in Manitoba (FWDM) is an organization
dedicated to helping farmers who have suffered serious injury
in their line of work. FWDM members visit hospital patients
who have lost limbs, and offer the victim, as well as their
family, support - emotional or farm labour - when they need
it most.
"We visit the hospital to encourage farmers who have
been in an unfortunate accident," says Neil Enns, president,
FWDM. "For a victim to meet someone who has experienced
a similar situation, it gives them some comfort knowing that
they can continue their livelihood. And because farming is
their livelihood, we also offer labour so their operation
doesn't completely shutdown."
But FWDM's mission doesn't end once a farmer leaves the hospital.
FWDM also offers monthly group meetings so those affected
can share their stories of struggles and triumph. And in addition
to helping each other, FWDM works to prevent the same situation
happening to others - even if it's not on a farm.
FWDM also visit schools, agricultural shows, 4-H clubs and
other businesses to help prevent workplace accidents as well.
"It's not only farming accidents we touch on,"
says Enns. "Taking the proper precautions is something
that can be applied to all walks of life, whether it's on
a farm, in the home, at school or at the office."
In 2005, the RBC Foundation donated $5,000 to the FWDM, bringing
its total donation to $15,000 since 2002.
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