More country families in need will benefit from the work of Fifty For A Farmer thanks to its success in Greater Bank’s #GreaterIllawarra Community Funding Program.
Fifty For A Farmer receives $2,000 after winning the public vote in the April round, with Wollongong City Gymnastics and Windang Boardriders each receiving $500 as the monthly runners-up.
Fifty For A Farmer is a Dapto-based, not-for-profit registered charity that assists NSW farmers recovering from natural disasters like flood, fire or drought by raising funds and donating goods as needed.
Fifty For A Farmer Co-Founder, Justine Gilfillan, said the organisation came about from a group of families watching the hardships our farmers face.
“Our farming communities are the lifeblood of our country and when our farmers are struggling, our country struggles,” Justine said.
“It’s heartbreaking to see that many farmers and their families struggle and then miss out on government support. So we travel to country areas and find people who have fallen through the cracks and try to help them in whatever way we can.
“Fifty For A Farmer is not just about donations and fundraising, but we aim to form bonds and build friendships and trust within the community, as well as encouraging kindness, generosity, empathy and giving freely of one's time to others.
Fifty For A Farmer Co-Founder, Justine Gilfillan
“Thanks to Greater Bank for this contribution. You can be sure it’s going to a worthy cause.”
Greater Bank’s Illawarra Regional Sales Manager, Greg Creagan, said farming is a tough life.
“It seems there’s always some challenge facing people on the land, whether it’s floods, fires, pests or frost,” Greg said.
“We wouldn’t survive without our farmers, so we’re beholden to help them out when they’re up against it.”
We have another $3,000 on offer in the May round, with Lighthouse Kids Hub, Illawarra Wheelchair Basketball Inc and Vietnamese Community in Wollongong in the running as our monthly nominees.
Voting is now open online at greater.com.au/greaterillawarra
and closes at 5.00pm Wednesday May 24, 2023.