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North Stars ‘Growing with the Stars’ fundraiser in full swing

Jun 7, 2016 | 5:00 PM

The biggest fundraiser of the year for the Battlefords North Stars is well underway. Now they just have to play the waiting game.

Each year the North Stars lease out a large plot of land along Territorial Dr. and plant canola for the ‘Growing with the Stars’ project, before selling the crop for a huge profit.

North Stars marketing manager Trent Cey said this fundraiser is crucial to the team’s financial security.

“This project ranges from 13 to 20 per cent of our operating income,” he said. “Last year it raised over $100,000. Generally it’s around $50,000, but it’s just like any farming operation in the sense it depends on weather and what you’re planning. I’m sure we won’t make that much this year, but any money raised is all bonus because we have little to no input cost.”

Businesses around the Battlefords donate everything required for ‘Growing with the Stars,’ whether it’s seed, chemicals, time or equipment.

Cey said the seeding takes around a full day to get it all into the ground, and this year it was all planted right before a good rain fall in late May. Once the crop is fully grown, there are a few elevators around the area they’ll bring it to.

Members of the North Stars are brought out to show their appreciation for the project and those who do all the handy work out in the field, as Cey said the players don’t generally take part in the process.

The Growing with the Stars project, along with the annual Jackfish Lake Ice Fishing Derby, are the two largest fundraisers for the Battlefords North Stars every year.

Email: cjnbsports@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @craig_beauch