Archive Article: 2001/06/15
Farmers Weekly wants to say a big thank you to everyone who has donated money and given help and support to those in need following the foot-and-mouth outbreak.
Money contributed to the emergency funds is throwing a lifeline to many families. Every penny really does make a difference. People have also rallied round to support farmers, with acts of kindness, offers of support and resources.
Mrs D E Pozniak of Torquay, Devon, has given £25 to the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution. "Although born a towny, I have a love of the countryside, as many others do, and ones heart goes out to those who witness their lifes work going up in flames. I am sorry that I can only afford this amount as I am a pensioner."
Promar International raised more than £1100 for the RABI with a tractor pull through the town centre in Newbury, Berks. The event, "driven by the muscle power of 18 Promar employees", raised the money through corporate donations, street collections, personal sponsorship, a cake sale and a T-shirt sale.
Francine Morris Swift sent £50 from the USA to the RABI. "My late husband and I are the first generation of both our families to be off the land completely," she wrote in her letter accompanying the donation. "He died in mid-January without knowing, thank goodness, what was about to happen to a countryside we both loved.
"I think you will like to know that farmers, stockmen and all others affected by the hoof-and-mouth crisis were mentioned in our parish prayers at St Albans Episcopal Church in Washington DC."
• Have you or someone you know put your hand in your pocket or acted in response to the current crisis? If so, let us know. Call 020 8652 4928 or e-mail tim.relf@rbi.co.uk.