Combined effort encompasses businesses, farmers, and the wider rural community to focus generosity on Cancer Society and Arohanui Hospice

Extending a tradition that has evolved in the region in recent years, while also honouring a late colleague, PGG Wrightson Livestock’s Manawatū team last month rallied the local community to raise $21,020 for the Cancer Society and Arohanui Hospice.

In the past the fundraiser was via a hogget donation at the annual Marton Hogget Fair. A ‘Daffodil Day’ event, until last year this was primarily organised by PGG Wrightson Livestock Sheep and Beef Representative Phil Transom. Phil died suddenly 12 months ago. This year, to honour him, colleagues continued the fundraiser, including adding a raffle and auction, which were well supported by clients and staff of PGG Wrightson Retail in Feilding, Taihape, Marton and Hunterville.

Local businesses, farmers, and the wider rural community came through with support through livestock donations and auction items. 

These efforts underlined a quote from ‘Tranee’ shortly before he died last year

“Rural people are hard to beat when it comes to fundraising. Those with big hearts and open wallets really come to the fore.”

Arohanui Hospice offers specialised palliative care in Manawatū and surrounding areas. Since 1994, to help sustain these services, it has run Farming for Hospice. Initially a beef grazing programme, this has evolved to include many other fundraising initiatives. A portion of the proceeds at the PGG Wrightson fundraiser went to Farming for Hospice.

Arohanui Hospice General Manager Debbie Stewart was grateful for the donation.

“Thanks to the wonderful support of the PGG Wrightson Manawatū team for running an auction, and to the farmers who supported Farming for Hospice by purchasing auction items. Their generosity makes a real difference and helps us continue to support Arohanui Hospice and the families in our community who need it most.” 

Links to: 

https://www.arohanuihospice.org.nz

https://www.cancer.org.nz/about-us/find-a-cancer-society-office-near-you/manawatu/