‘Farming for Kids’ Growing big dreams
Blessed with deep, fertile black soils, the verdant Liverpool Plains in New South Wales is home to the charity, ‘Farming for Kids Inc.’, run by volunteer farmers from across the region.
Established to assist the health and well-being of children across the entire shire, the group has raised more than $200,000 since its inception in 2013.
Farmer and the organisations President, Charles Hill, says partnering with local families and businesses – to provide educational scholarships, health and wellbeing programs, one-on one support, and donation distribution – is enriching beyond their expectations.
“The heart of what ‘Farming for Kids’ do is simple. With the help of sponsors, donors and volunteers, we farm, harvest and sell crops to raise funds to help our local kids. But the effects are wide- reaching, deeply enriching and directly benefit our local kids, and their families and community,” Mr Hill told The Cultivator.
Inspired by a similar community farming group in Emerald, Queensland, Mr Hill, said the group farm some 42 hectares of land leased from the Liverpool Plains Shire Council, adjacent to the Quirindi airport.
Last season saw seeds planted, producing the first sorghum crop in three years (the severe drought impacted grain production for many years) – raising more than $80,000.
The group comprises local farmers and community members who volunteer time, a range of expertise, machinery, grain and fertiliser to grow, harvest and sell the crops.
“Be it academic, health, sporting, wellbeing and education programs, youth and educational agricultural scholarships or offering financial assistance to families in the case of accidents, illnesses or tragedies – every dollar raised ensures that a local child’s life is transformed in a deeply personal way.”
“By partnering with local organisations and businesses, we also promote the importance and vibrancy of the agricultural industry to the region and the nation, including our tailored school programs and scholarships,” continued Mr Hill.
In 2021, Manildra Group generously provided invaluable support, with their significant donation supporting schools, local community projects and the welfare and education of the next generation.
“We are exceptionally grateful to the ‘Manildra Group for the significant donation; it was the timely boost we needed after many years of not being able to produce a fundraising crop,” concluded Mr Hill.
“We’re so proud to partner with ‘Farming for Kids’ which is providing hope and nurturing the dreams of our next generation of farmers,” Manildra Group Director Caroline Honan said.
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