Join the Spring Forward Give Back Challenge to support local farming families

Farm support charity Rural Support is urging individuals, community groups and businesses across Northern Ireland to sign up to its one-day fundraising challenge, ‘Spring Forward Give Back’, taking place on Saturday, March 7.

The ambitious campaign is calling on 100 people or businesses to raise £1,000 each in a single day, with a collective target of £100,000 to support farmers and farm families at a time of growing pressure and uncertainty.

With rising input costs, market volatility, changing policies and the ongoing emotional strain facing the agricultural sector, demand for Rural Support’s services continues to grow rapidly. Funds raised through ‘Spring Forward Give Back’ will go directly towards providing practical, financial and emotional support to farming families across Northern Ireland.

Rural Support offers a freephone confidential Support Line, one-to-one business mentoring support, counselling services and financial guidance — a vital lifeline for many within the farming community who are facing stress, isolation and hardship.

Communities are already getting behind the campaign with a range of creative and engaging events planned. In the Ballymena area, supporters are hosting a static cycle challenge, a sponsored walk and even a sponsored leg wax thanks to initiatives from Grassmen and the Young Farmers Clubs of Ulster. Pub quizzes are lined up in Cookstown, Armagh and Downpatrick, while a mart auction in Markethill is set to bring farmers together in support of their own.

READ NEXT: One click can close a small business, warns cyber expert

Pamela Caldwell, Fundraising Income Generation & Events Executive at Rural Support said, “We know how challenging things are for many farming families right now. Spring Forward Give Back is about standing with our farming community and showing them that help is there when it’s needed most.

"Every £1,000 raised could make a real and lasting difference to a family facing financial stress, emotional pressure or uncertainty about the future. It’s incredibly encouraging to see so many local people and businesses already stepping forward - and there is still time for others to get involved.”

The campaign highlights not only the financial pressures facing agriculture but also the human impact behind the headlines. Every pound raised will directly support farmers, farm families and agricultural workers who rely on Rural Support’s confidential services.

Whether it’s hosting an event, taking on a personal challenge, or rallying colleagues to raise funds, Rural Support is encouraging everyone to get involved and help reach the £100,000 goal. Saturday 7th March is the main fundraising day but folks are encouraged to host their event in the led up to the day or shortly after.

To pledge your support, contact the Rural Support Fundraising Team on 028 8676 0040 or email info@ruralsupport.org.uk to receive a free Fundraising Toolkit. You can also sign up via this link - https://forms.office.com/e/pKnNuCtNDe. 

Together, Northern Ireland can Spring Forward and Give Back to the backbone of our rural economy – the farmers!