UNITY - It was the early days of the global pandemic and the world was in crisis. Regular, basic items people take for granted, such as hand sanitizer, became scarce and those that were able to secure some were forced to pay a king’s ransom to acquire them.
At North West Terminal and nwPURE, the board, CEO Jason Skinner and the staff saw opportunity. Not opportunity for profit, no. This was bigger than that. This was an opportunity to stand up and lend a helping hand, be a good neighbour and give to the community. Although the pandemic presented an unexpected influx of demand and opportunity for nwPURE, the alcohol merchandising team alongside CEO Jason Skinner prioritized the safety of the community first, and then NWT was able to supply the inflow of inquiries creating a win-win situation for all. Hand Sanitizer was distributed to anyone who wanted some, free of charge, as fast as the plant could make it. NWT staff hit the road wearing masks and proudly delivered hundreds of bottles over the following weeks to any and all who requested.
nwPURE was making alcohol for distillers and other companies to make sanitizer as the global demand was felt locally. nwPURE employees secured the recipe approved by Health Canada and went into production. People were not going to be without.
The memory of seeing relief on people’s faces will not be forgotten by staff and the words “we will not forget what you did’ resonated with the employees fortunate enough to be on the front lines. Everything else was put on pause. Making and getting sanitizer out to people became priority one. Last winter many local area rinks had nwPURE sanitizer in their facilities. Again, free of charge and delivered.
Since its opening North West Terminal wanted to be in the fabric of the community and it has been fully invested in the area since Day 1. The Farming for the Future program, which has grown into a full agricultural community event, is the most publicized and recognized local project. For the past dozen years the program, through donation of land, time and an army of volunteers has pumped a lot of money into the local schools. Karalyn Brown, a farm girl, has seen great value in the program as principal of UPS.
“UPS has used FFF funds to help pay for the cement pad on the playground. Basketball nets were installed as well and this has meant the pad has been used not only by the students throughout the school day but also by children in the community. Funding from the last few years and moving forward will be used to replace the playground equipment at UPS which is much needed. With COVID restrictions last year, other fundraising did not take place so the funds from this project are most welcome,” Brown said.
“However, the program has a purpose far beyond the funds. It provides our students with a unique opportunity to see 'farming in action.' The seed demo and harvest demo days that the NWT have put on have provided students with a chance to see up close and personal what actually goes in to putting a crop in and taking it off. Many of our students have never had the opportunity to visit a farm so providing this experience gives them a better understanding of Saskatchewan agriculture.This is an experience that can not be replicated in the classroom so we appreciate everything NWT does in order to make these days happen. We are once again looking forward to these days after missing out on them last year.”
But NWT’s commitment to the local area goes beyond the obvious. Unity Minor Hockey was essentially able to eliminate parent fundraising because of NWT’s ice sponsorship for the annual kick off 3 on 3 tournament. They are UMH’s major sponsor. They are sponsors in several minor hockey associations and club teams.
They also offer financial support to Unity Minor Ball, the local golf courses, the local curling clubs, the local 4H clubs, one of the major sponsors of Santa Day, Ducks Unlimited, Macklin Bunnock, KC Rescue, Unity Chamber, Unity music festival, Unity Wildlife Federation and the list goes on. NWT is also always happy to provide prizes to any local event that approaches. To steal a jingle from an insurance company, like a good neighbour, NWT is there.
But it’s more than just financial support. The staff is also encouraged and allowed to invest their time in the community. Terminal board and staff are prominent in many groups and charities, coaching sports, sitting on boards and committees. It is indeed the NWT culture and it is the vision that was formed when farmers brought their idea to reality 30 years ago and when it opened the doors 25 years ago. They wanted NWT to be more than just a grain handling facility. They wanted NWT to be a fabric of the community, a leader in the community not just concrete and lumber.
For 25 years, NWT has done just that. A proud supporter of the many communities it serves and ss the company grows, so does the local investment.
