The owners and management of Premier Equipment were looking for a cause they could support, one that would also connect employees to how they can make a difference for others in need. In addition, rather than spreading our charitable support amongst many different charities throughout the year, we decided we could make a greater impact by focusing on one single charity that resonated with our values and objectives.

In September 2010, we chose FIDA/pcH. We liked the fact that FIDA/pcH worked in the development of rural and farming practices in a country of need. Our employees (as well as the customers we serve) are immersed in farming practices in Ontario. We believed that exposing them to an area of need in another part of the world, with similar but different challenges and approaches, would heighten the sense and significance of the contribution we are making. FIDA/pcH also challenged us to visit the project ourselves to see our “investment” at work. That was an important factor. By seeing the impact of our charitable dollars we believed the life experience of our employees would be broadened and their everyday work would have greater meaning.

The more profitable we are as a company, the more we are able to support the lives of farming men and women in Haiti. Choosing an organization like FIDA/pcH is a good fit for the employees and customers of an agriculturally based business such as Premier Equipment.

by Ian Verbeek, Chief Sales Officer, Premier Equipment Ltd.