Bay of Plenty farmers get behind IHC

Anne Barrow’s winning calf photo in the 13-18 years age group of the IHC Calf & Rural Scheme’s rural phot competition. Supplied photo.

Generous Bay of Plenty and Central Plateau farmers have raised $144,923 for IHC through the IHC Calf & Rural Scheme in the past 12 months, with 302 of the region's farmers donating.

Galatea farmer Red Garrett, whose sister has Down syndrome, has for many years been the drop-off point in his district for calves from local farmers.

His father Iriving was one of the first farmers to join the scheme when it started and encouraged other farmers to join in

'When it first started it was a great idea, and now lots of other groups such as schools and rugby clubs donate calves as a fundraiser,” says Red.

The region's contribution was part of the $1.4 million raised nationally by rural New Zealand to support people with intellectual disabilities.

This is down to the generosity of more than 3500 farmers throughout New Zealand who pledged 4341 calves, including virtual calves, to be sold on IHC's behalf.

'IHC is so incredibly grateful to farmers in the Bay of Plenty, Central Plateau and nationally, who supported the Calf & Rural Scheme this year, and for their ongoing loyalty to the scheme since it began 33 years ago,” says IHC national fundraising manager Greg Millar.

More than $35 million has been raised through the Scheme for New Zealanders with intellectual disabilities since its inception in 1985.

'The money raised is very important to the work IHC is able to do to each year, but the support of farmers and rural communities has always been much more than the money.

'Each and every year, these generous farmers have joined together with IHC to support people with intellectual disabilities to live active and satisfying lives in the community,” says Greg.

For 30 of those years the Calf & Rural Scheme has also enjoyed the proud support of PGG Wrightson – one of New Zealand's longest standing corporate sponsorships of charity.

'Thank you again to all our famers, canvassers, community groups as well as our transporters for all their hard work and support over the 2017/18 season, and we look forward to your continued support next season,” says Greg.

IHC would also like to announce the winners of the Calf & Rural Scheme's rural photo competition which is run every year alongside the scheme.

Photo Competition Winners

7 Years and Younger Nyla Lauridsen (Te Awamutu)

8-12 Years Age Group Maria Barrow (Dannevirke)

13-18 Years Age Group Anne Barrow (Dannevirke)

18+ Age Group Michele van Zyl (Gore)

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