FORT KENT, Maine — Irving Woodlands, LLC., returned as title sponsor for the March 5 Can-Am Crown International Sled Dog 250-mile race in Fort Kent.
In celebration of the 30th Annual Can-Am Crown Sled Dog Races, and for all the northern Maine community has done to host the activity for three decades, the company has donated a total of $50,000 to Aroostook County organizations that benefit the local communities.
The funds were offered on behalf of the hundreds of volunteers who commit themselves to hosting the popular races year after year.
The Aroostook County Action Program, based in Presque Isle but with programs throughout The County, received $25,000. The Fish River Rural Health Food Pantry received $10,000, and $15,000 went to the Ashland Food Pantry.
“Aroostook County is home to so many of our employees and their families,” said Jim Irving, co-CEO of Irving Woodlands LLC and Irving Forest Products Inc. “We’ve been part of Northern Maine for over 70 years and we look forward to the Can-Am Crown and community spirit every year.”
In honor of the Can-Am Crown International Sled Dog Races’ 30th anniversary, Irving Woodlands/J.D. Irving donated to local organizations who assist those in need in northern Maine. The Ashland Food Pantry received $15,000. From left are: Phyllis Pelletier, pantry secretary; Wendy Robinson, pantry treasurer; Ashley Ballanger, Irving continuous improvement specialist; Josh Philbrook, Irving mill manager; Mary Caron, pantry president; Peter Tabor, Irving regional manager; Ronnie Fournier, pantry board member and building chairman; and Matthew Stedman, Irving planning forester. (Courtesy of Irving Woodlands)
“We are extremely grateful for this generous support from J.D. Irving Limited. It 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,” Parent said.
The company has sponsored the event’s 250-mile race and awarded the top 12 finishers since 2005. Between the three races, 30-mile, 100-mile, and 250-mile, there will be 30 musher and dog teams running from Fort Kent through Allagash, Portage and various other towns in Northern Maine.
“This is a great opportunity to reconnect with our neighbors and help community volunteers make this world-class event possible,” said Doug Cyr, human resources manager, Irving Woodlands, LLC.
“We were happy to work with the great folks at these three organizations last spring and wanted to connect with them again to see how we might help their operations and the community they serve.”
