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News Release 

AALP Class 2 alumni honour the memory of their classmates

Donations to the Rural Ontario Institute will benefit the Advanced Agricultural Leadership Program.

Alumni of Class 2 of the Advanced Agricultural Leadership Program have made generous donations to the Rural Ontario Institute to keep AALP advanced. These funds will contribute to improvements in curriculum, technology, tools and other program elements to continue the outstanding leadership experience AALP has been over the years.

When Class 2 graduated in 1989 the 27 participants of the Advanced Agricultural Leadership Program knew they had completed a life changing experience while making friends they could count on in both their personal and business ventures.

“With the news that 2 of our classmates had died this year, bringing the total to 3, we wanted to celebrate the positive influence of AALP alumni to the agriculture sector and rural communities.” Bill Wallace, Class 2 alumnus.

“Our Class had access to the latest technology, professionals and leadership training giving us the tools to make a positive impact; we are keen to contribute to keeping AALP progressive for future participants, especially since agriculture and rural leadership is critical in our present covid situation.” Randal Goodfellow, Class 2 alumnus.

Departed AALP Class 2 alumni Patricia Down, Peter Dowling and John Woodhouse made a difference in rural communities through many organizations and businesses including the Ontario Federation of Agriculture, Victoria Order of Nurses, Minor Baseball, the National Farmers Union, the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, Bluewater Feed Co., Sharpe Farm Supplies, the Ontario Pork Congress, the Royal Winter Fair, and Ontario Aquaculture.

“Pat, Peter and John applied their leadership skills to positively influence the lives of Ontario farmers and their own rural communities, the whole AALP network applauds them,” says Leadership programs director Gabe Ferguson.

“This important gift from AALP Class 2  Alumni will kick off work immediately by supporting virtual technology and experiential program elements.”  

The Rural Ontario Institute (ROI) is grateful to AALP Class 2 for choosing to recognize the leadership contributions of their deceased classmates by making donations to the Advanced Agricultural Leadership Program.

Wish to Donate:

Others wishing to donate to Advancing AALP may e-transfer to lthompson@ruralontariointsitute.ca  with the heading Advancing AALP or by cheque to the Rural Ontario institute 7382 Wellington Road 20, R.R. #5 Guelph, ON N1H 6J2

AALP participants engage in meaningful cross-sector issues dialogues, global networking and learn and practice the skills necessary to lead Ontario’s agri-food sector and rural communities.

For more information:

Gabe Ferguson, Leadership Programs Director 519-383-5581 or gferguson@ruralontarioinstitute.ca

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