Columbia community members can look forward to increased safety while working with farm machinery. Thanks to the Matthews Monsanto site, the Tyrrell Volunteer Fire Department will be now be able to purchase a grain bin rescue tube, using a $4,400 grant from the Monsanto Fund. The Monsato Fund strives to meet the critical needs of rural communities by investing in local projects focused on K-12 education, hunger and nutrition, and first responders.
The organization, a non-profit in Columbia, protects and serves the entire county of Tyrrell. All 60 of its members are volunteers who donate their time to the community. Tyrrell VFD will utilize the grant to acquire its first grain bin rescue tube, and will share it with neighboring counties to prevent grain bin accident casualties in the area.
“We are very appreciative to receive the funds to purchase a rescue tube,” said David Brickhouse Tyrrell VFD assistant fire chief.”Even if it is only used once, it would be worth the money used to purchase it; rescue tubes save lives.”
After a grain bin accident in Missouri, the Matthews site wanted to ensure that the Columbia community would have the equipment to save a farmer or child should the need arise.
“A rescue tube is an important asset for first responders to have in a farming community,” said Robert Cook, Matthew site seed technician.
“Having this equipment nearby will provide a lot of peace of mind,” Brickhouse added.
This year the Monsanto Fund awarded the 127 site grants to non-profit organizations in 26 states. In North Carolina, three site grants were awarded and totaled $26,350. The Monsanto Fund continues to provide support to organizations such as the Tyrrell VFD, to help strengthen Tyrell VFD, to help strengthen communities where farmers and Monsanto employees live and work.