Farmers face seemingly constant challenges, including natural disasters, climate change and COVID. When it impacts their ability to produce crops or livestock, the flow-on to the entire community can be significant.
Support for this vital industry was the basis for establishing the new Illawarra-based charity, Fifty for a Farmer, which has received $2000 for taking out the public vote in the December round of Greater Bank’s #GreaterIllawarra community funding program.
Fifty for a Farmer co-founder Kim Freeman said food production is fundamental to our existence.
“Farming communities are the lifeblood of Australia and when our farmers are struggling, our country struggles, so we wanted to do our bit to help them through the tough times,” Kim said.
“There always seems to be some extraordinary challenge facing our farmers, with bushfires, flooding and mouse plagues just some of the recent examples.
“With COVID impacting communities across the country over the past year or so, we’ve decided to put our energy towards supporting the Royal Flying Doctor Service, who do so much to help farming families in their time of need.
“As a not-for-profit that relies on donations, we’d like to thank Greater Bank for the opportunity to take part in the community funding program and for this contribution to our fundraising efforts.”
Kim Freeman, Fifty for a Farmer co-founder
Greater Bank’s Illawarra Regional Sales Manager, Greg Creagan, said farming communities do it tough on a regular basis.
“People in rural areas face challenges that city residents don’t have to deal with and they do it with few resources and a minimum of fuss,” Greg said.
“Greater Bank is pleased to be able to contribute to the wellbeing of regional communities through the #GreaterIllawarra community funding program and we are delighted this money will help provide vital medical services to farming families.”
Runners-up for the December round were Wollongong City Gymnastics and Empower Me Program, both receiving $500.
The January round of the #GreaterIllawarra Community Funding Program is now open, with Dapto Junior Cricket Club, Missing School Incorporated and Helensburgh Tigers Junior Football Club vying for a share of $3,000 in monthly funding.
The public can vote online at www.greater.com.au/greaterillawarra until 5:00pm, Wednesday, 2 February 2022.