Rural spending generates more than $150,000 ‘cash for communities’
The 2012 PGG Wrightson / Ballance Agri-Nutrients’ Cash for Communities initiative has raised $152,000 for rural community funding across New Zealand, achieving nearly double the $80,000 generated in 2011.
The four month programme - which closed end May – saw PGG Wrightson and participating suppliers commit $2 per tonne of Ballance Agri-Nutrients fertiliser purchased and $2 per $500 spent on selected agri-chemical or seed products to schools and charities selected by farmer customers.
More than 3,000 farmers registered for the scheme earmarking funding for 320 rural community organisations. Half the funding, about $80,000, would go to rural community schools while rescue helicopters would receive $35,000 and St John would be allocated more than $31,000, a significant increase on the $14,000 St John received last year. Donations would also go to a number of IHC areas.
Stephen Guerin, PGG Wrightson General Manager, Rural Supplies said the success of the programme reflected a genuine commitment by both farmers and suppliers to support those organisations that needed assistance to survive in rural communities. “Last year we also contributed to the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal, so that allocation has now gone back to local support organisations and schools.”
Top school recipients include Waikaia, Whakamaru and Tatuanui schools which would each receive a cheque for more than $3,000 in the coming weeks while Pyes Pa Road School again attracted a good contribution, with a $2,600 windfall.
The top three recipients were the Westpac Waikato Air Ambulance ($10,400), Westpac Rescue Helicopter Christchurch ($5,500) and Lakes District Rescue Helicopter ($4,400).
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