With the 2024 Cash for Communities campaign now underway, it is timely to reflect on the success of last year’s programme with $121,000 being donated to 296 organisations across rural New Zealand.

It is easy for farmers to get involved in the programme, with PGG Wrightson customers able to choose an organisation to receive their Cash for Communities nomination when they purchase participating Ballance Agri-Nutrients fertiliser and agrichemicals.

Cash for Communities financially supports rural schools, clubs, charities and community groups. Travelling the country, three recipients from the 2023 programme were the Cancer Society Waikato/Bay of Plenty, Methven House in Canterbury and the Southland Rural Support Trust.

Sitting above the picturesque Hamilton Lake is the Cancer Society’s Lions Lodge in Hamilton. Lodge Host, Anna Irvine shares how the charity supports those with cancer.

Sitting above the picturesque Hamilton Lake is the Cancer Society’s Lions Lodge in Hamilton. Lodge Host, Anna Irvine shares how the charity supports those with cancer.

“What makes the lodge unique is the provision of meals. Last year we served 34,000 meals. By bringing people together at mealtimes, our guests can form friendships and support one another. Cancer treatment is tough; we want to be the soft spot for our guests,” says Anna.

Over 400 volunteers help deliver services to those receiving cancer treatment and their families across the Waikato and Bay of Plenty regions. With the rates of cancer constantly increasing, Anna says the Cancer Society is relying more and more upon assistance from the community.

“We rely on people’s generosity on our fundraising days – Daffodil Day and Relay for Life – so we continue to meet the demands for our services. For this reason, we are appreciative of the Cash for Communities donation of $1,955,” says Anna.

Thanks to the support of farmers and growers, Methven House received $6,601 through Cash for Communities. The Methven community has shown enormous support and determination to ensure the rest home remains open to residents.

Methven Aged Persons Welfare Association Chair, Sandra Marr, says Methven House opened in April 1977. Fast forward to 2024 and Methven House is home to 10 residents. The challenge of funding the rest home is ongoing as Sandra explains, with the now 100-year-old building frequently needing repairs and maintenance.

“We have a contract with the Ministry of Health who provide us with funding, though we still have expenses we must pay ourselves. Methven House has been run on community support for nearly 50 years. In the past, many volunteers helped us, though some of those roles have since had to be established as paid positions, adding to our financial stresses.

“Volunteers continue to be vital to running Methven House and we are extremely lucky with the support the community gives us. At times, up to 49 volunteers have undertaken roles. It is amazing work that is done quietly.”

Arable farmer Dave Grant volunteers on the Methven Care Trust committee which is responsible for building the new facility, Methven Central Apartments and Rest Home. Currently, Dave says six apartments have been completed and work has begun on the 20-bed home. Methven House must remain operational until the new building is ready in April 2025.

“Methven House allows our aged people to retire and live locally in familiar surroundings. My mother and father were cared for there and it allowed them to stay in town,” says Dave.

Sandra acknowledges the amazing work done by the farming community by contributing through Cash for Communities.

“The farming community is greatly involved with Methven House and we are extremely grateful to receive this donation. Thanks to the farmers, PGG Wrightson, Ballance Agri-Nutrients and agrichemical suppliers for making this happen,” says Sandra.

Southland Rural Support Trust (RST) received $2,372 through the 2023 Cash for Communities programme. Chairperson, Simon Hopcroft says they offer assistance throughout Southland with volunteers spread across the region.

“We have 10 trustees and eight facilitators, all of whom are volunteers and come from differing rural backgrounds. Their different skillsets allow us to give farmers a wide range of support. Their diverse thinking means we are open to changing how we lend a hand in response to people’s changing needs,” says Simon.

The Southland RST assists up to 120 people per year and Simon says there has been a noticeable increase in the number of people year-on-year contacting them.

“There are multiple ways we help farmers, whether during an adverse weather event or by offering wellbeing support. We also connect people with farm advisors, and if needed, we can visit on-farm to understand what assistance is needed.”

The Ministry of Primary Industries provides up to 25 percent of Southland RST’s budget, with the remainder needing to be sourced from fundraising and donations. Simon says he greatly appreciates farmers’ nominations to receive the Cash for Communities donation. The money will go directly to helping those in need of extra support.

Donate through Cash for Communities by nominating a local organisation close to your heart. They will receive $1 for every tonne of participating Ballance Agri-Nutrients fertiliser purchased on your PGG Wrightson account this spring, or $1 per every 10 litres of qualifying agrichemicals purchased. For terms and conditions, visit cashforcommunities.co.nz.