FORT KENT, ME: Irving Woodlands, LLC., was again set to be the title sponsor for the Can-Am Crown International Sled Dog 250-mile race in Fort Kent.  With the cancellation of this year’s event, like many others due to COVID-19, the company has made a $60,000USD donation to benefit people of the region.

“The annual dog sled race is a favorite on our calendar – for our company and employees,” says Doug Cyr, Regional Human Resource Manager Irving Woodlands, LLC. “It’s a great opportunity to connect with our neighbors and share in the amazing community spirit that makes the event possible.  With the event not happening this year we wanted to give back to community groups that make such a powerful difference to those in need.   We worked with the great folks at ACAP last spring and connected with them again to see how we might help.”

In honor of what would have been the 29th Annual Can-Am Crown Sled Dog Races, and for all the northern Maine community has done to host the activity for nearly three decades, Irving Woodlands, LLC is donating to Aroostook County Action Program ($30,000), Fish River Rural Health Food Pantry ($15,000), and Ashland Food Pantry ($15,000) on behalf of the hundreds of volunteers who commit themselves to hosting the popular event year after year.

“Our team members have done heroic things to support Aroostook County households through this most difficult year.  This generous support from Irving Woodlands, will help us fill the gaps where other programs and services fall short and families, alongside our team, are left struggling to find resources,” said Jason Parent, ACAP CEO.  “We are ever so grateful to Irving company leadership and the hardworking employees who continue to not only invest in the economic livelihood of our region, but the people who make our community the wonderful place it is.  This donation will make a tremendous difference throughout our region in the coming months, while we all look forward to better days, including the return of the Can-Am races next year.”

Left to Right Nick Pelletier - Operations Superintendent, Irving Woodlands  Heather Pelletier - Executive Director, Fish River Rural Health Peter Tabor - Regional Manager, Irving Woodlands

Left to Right Ronny Fournier - Volunteer, Ashland Food Pantry Josh Philbrook - Mill Manager, Irving Forest Products Mary Caron - Volunteer, Ashland Food Pantry Tony Goulet - Production Manager,  Irving Forest Products Paul Haines - Quality Control,  Irving Forest Products Peter Tabor - Regional Manager,  Irving Forest Products

Left to Right Douglas Cyr - Human Resource Manager, Irving Woodlands Peter Tabor - Regional Manager, Irving Woodlands Sherry Locke - Development and Communication Manager, Aroostook County Action Program (ACAP) Trudy Gorneault - Board of Director, Secretary, ACAP Jamie Chandler - Chief Operating Officer, ACAP Jason Parent - Executive Director / Chief Executive Officer, ACAP

ABOUT ACAP

Aroostook County Action Program, Inc. (ACAP), is a 501c3 non-profit organization founded in 1972. ACAP provides guidance to the community in responding to emerging human needs in the areas of Prevention and Wellness, Early Care and Education, Energy and Housing, and Workforce Development.

ABOUT FRRH

Fish River Rural Health (FRRH) provides access to comprehensive primary and preventive care of the highest quality to the underserved population and improves the health care status of the residents of the Upper St. John Valley.

ABOUT AEFB

Since 1972, Ashland Emergency Food Bank (AEFB) has provided food to residents of Ashland, Maine and surrounding rural communities. Each month, over 600 families representing approximately 1,700 individuals are assisted by AEFB

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CONTACT:

 
Anne McInerney
Vice President, Communications
mcinerney.anne@jdirving.com