Farmers donate animals for annual local fundraisers, providing much needed support for predominantly rural charitable cause.

Held each year in conjunction with the Cancer Society’s nationwide fundraiser, the Annual Matawhero Daffodil Day Stock Drive raised a total of $53,625.19 this year, with all proceeds going back to the charity’s operations in the local community.

PGG Wrightson Regional Livestock Manager East Coast Jamie Hayward says the charity auction is a highlight on the Gisborne team's calendar.

“This is a collective effort bringing the entire community together. Farmers donate livestock, carriers provide their services for free, the auctioneer team leads the event, and ANZ Bank facilitates it. Then our team and buyers play their part, often bidding well above market value."

“With 370 sheep donated by the generous farming community, one farmer gave 55 lambs, which sold for $220 each.”

Meanwhile, also in support of Daffodil Day, PGG Wrightson Livestock drew on the generosity of Manawatu clients, who pitched in on 14 August to raise funds through the Marton/Feilding Hogget Fair.

Farmers donating animals resulted in a total of 39 coming forward, selling on average at $176.36, raising $6,878 for the Whanganui and Palmerston North Branches of the Cancer Society.

Cancer Society Manawatu events coordinator Jo O’Neil was at the saleyards with buckets of blooms raising additional funds. She says the Manawatu sale has picked up on the success of the Gisborne event, running for the past six or seven years.

“On a beautiful sunny day, we were delighted that every farmer who sold hoggets at the fair donated at least one from their pen, especially given the difficult financial circumstances they face. Our transport drives are hectic, with many people needing our support to get to hospital and to other appointments. In Manawatu the Cancer Society is hugely focused on assisting rural communities. At the Hogget Fair it was heart-warming to see that support being returned so generously,” she says.

PGG Wrightson Livestock waives all charges for these events.