RURAL AID’S CO-FOUNDER SHORTLISTED FOR IMPACT 25 AWARDS

Posted on 23 January 202031 October 2023

Charles Alder’s passion for changing the lives of rural Australians recognised

Rural Aid’s co-founder, Charles Alder, said he was humbled to be nominated and shortlisted for Pro Bono Australia’s Impact 25 Award.

“I would like to thank the person for their kind nomination, acknowledging the work that my wife, Tracy and I started with the ‘Buy a Bale’ fundraising campaign in 2013 and in recognition of Rural Aid’s work today,” Charles Alder said.

The Pro Bono Australia Impact 25 Award recognises individuals who are making a positive impact on society, helping to promote awareness and advocacy for the causes of those nominated, and shine a spotlight on their inspirational and often tireless work.

 “Like many organisations started on a passion to make a difference, Tracy and I started with very little, we worked long hours, we had to be proficient in everything from answering phones, buying fodder, organising trucks and farmers, meeting donors and importantly, travelling ‘out bush’ to meet those in need,” Charles Alder said.

“We always through that if the passion and energy was there, everything else would fall into place.”

“We had no idea that a little concept to ask Australians to help buy bales of hay would become the charity Rural Aid is today – assisting thousands of farmers and rural communities across Australia with the support of tens of thousands of everyday Australian and some of Australia’s best companies, sharing our vision.

“Rural Aid is also the sum of many great initiatives and a great team of staff and volunteers; Buy a Bale, the Farm Army of volunteers, the Farm and Community Rescue program, counsellors and the Gift of Music program all delivering relief, companionship, a helping hand, a caring ear, a hope for the future.”

Rural Aid’s Interim CEO, Sarah Hunter congratulated Charles Alder on behalf of the charity on his nomination and shortlisting for Pro Bono Australia’s Impact 25 Awards.

“The recognition through this nomination of Charles’ work is well deserved,” Sarah Hunter said. “It is through both Charles and Tracy Alder’s tireless and inspiring work that Rural Aid grew from the ‘Buy a Bale’ program in 2013 to today, one of Australia’s largest rural charities. Without their vision, empathy and their ability to inspire everyday Australians to donate money or to donate their time through volunteering, many in rural Australia would not have received much needed support.”

About Rural Aid

Rural Aid is one of Australia’s largest rural charities. Well known for the highly successful ‘Buy a Bale’ campaign, the charity also provides financial assistance, water and counselling to farmers in times of drought, flood or fire. Other initiatives support its vision that farming and rural communities are safeguarded to ensure their sustainability both during and after these natural disasters. Visit www.ruralaid.org.au for further information on these programs and other support for our rural communities.

Visit www.ruralaid.org.au/snapshots for Rural Aid’s latest assistance statistics.

Follow Rural Aid for updates on:
FB: @ruralaidaustralia | @buyabaleofhay
IG: @buyabale | @ruralaid
IN: Rural Aid Ltd
TW: @ruralaidaust | @buyabale

Media enquiries: Raylee Huggett – 0447 116 757

RURAL AID HEADS TO THE TAMWORTH COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL

Posted on 17 January 202031 October 2023

Heading to Tamworth for the music festival? Then come and say hi to Rural Aid Co-founder and Community Officer, Tracy Alder and her crew of volunteers in the Rural Aid marque next to the Toyota marque on Fitzroy Street.

As one of Australia’s leading rural charities, Rural Aid assists farmers impacted by natural disasters – such as fires, floods, and this ongoing drought – through their recovery process.

“We are once again in the heart of the drought affected hub of NSW, supporting farmers and their communities,” Tracy Alder said.

“While we are increasing our support of fire affected farmers with the launch this week of the $25 million Disaster Recovery Appeal, we are continuing our support of drought affected farmers and their communities.”

“Over the past 18 months, Rural Aid has distributed $45 million in assistance to farmers and their communities. That’s over $31 million in the past financial year and $14 million from July to December 2019.”

“I would like to thank Toyota for choosing Rural Aid for the second year as their charity of choice. It’s thanks to the generosity of donors and our corporate sponsors, like Toyota who are donating $2 to Rural Aid for each Toyota hat given out at the Tamworth Country Music Festival, that Rural Aid can continue to assist Aussie farmers and their communities impacted by natural disasters.

“Part of the fabric of Rural Aid is the commitment of our Farm Army of volunteers, of which some are volunteering at the Rural Aid marquee. They are looking forward to working with Rural Aid throughout 2020 as we help rural communities in drought- and fire-affected areas rebuild their long-term sustainability.”

This week, Rural Aid launched a $25 million Disaster Recovery Appeal to assist over 10,000 farmers and over 10 million of their farm animals in fire affected zones.*

The $25 million Disaster Recovery Appeal will help Rural Aid expand its support offerings to farmers in affected fire zones.

Rural Aid has also committed over $10 million to drought affected farmers, that includes the proceeds of the recent Hay Mate concert. The charity is continuing hay deliveries to drought affected farmers in north east Victoria and NSW, leveraging its proven delivery model for drought and now fire affected farmers.

To help us to continue to deliver this much needed aid to our farmers, support Rural Aid’s ‘Buy a Bale’ program by donating at www.buyabale.com.au/donate.

*Data referenced from NSW Department of Primary Industries and Agriculture Victoria.

About Rural Aid

Rural Aid is one of Australia’s largest rural charities. Well known for the highly successful ‘Buy a Bale’ campaign, the charity also provides financial assistance, water and counselling to farmers in times of drought, flood or fire. Other initiatives support its vision that farming and rural communities are safeguarded to ensure their sustainability both during and after these natural disasters. Visit www.ruralaid.org.au for further information on these programs and other support for our rural communities.

Visit www.ruralaid.org.au/snapshots for Rural Aid’s latest assistance statistics.

Follow Rural Aid for updates on:
FB: @ruralaidaustralia | @buyabaleofhay
IG: @buyabale | @ruralaid
IN: Rural Aid Ltd
TW: @ruralaidaust | @buyabale

Quick Stats:

• In 2018 – 2019, Rural Aid delivered $31.6 million in assistance to farmers and their rural communities.
• From July to December 2019, Rural aid delivered $14 million in assistance to farmers and their rural communities.
• Over November and December 2019, more than 2000 farmers registered with Rural Aid.
• Rural Aid has over 12,000 farmers registered for assistance.
• In the recent Christmas and New Year period, Rural Aid delivered over 12,000 gift cards to farmers.
• Between July and December 2019, Rural Aid delivered 372 truckloads of hay and 2094 water deliveries to farmers.

ENDS

Media enquiries: Raylee Huggett – 0447 116 757

On-site media interview: Tracy Alder – 0413 618 561

RURAL AID LAUNCHES $25M DISASTER RECOVERY APPEAL TO ASSIST FARMERS

Posted on 14 January 202031 October 2023

Around 10,000 farmers and their 10 million farm animals in fire affected areas*

Today, Rural Aid launched a $25 million Disaster Recovery Appeal to assist over 10,000 farmers and over 10 million of their farm animals in fire affected zones.

Rural Aid Co-Founder, Charles Alder said Rural Aid has started hay deliveries in north east Victoria and southern NSW and is asking Australians to assist our farmers who have experienced unprecedented hardship from drought and now catastrophic fires.

“Over the past 18 months, Rural Aid has distributed $45 million in assistance to farmers and their communities, and we will continue to leverage its proven delivery model for drought and now fire affected farmers,” Charles Alder said.

“In addition, Rural Aid has committed over $10 million to drought affected farmers, including the proceeds of the recent Hay Mate concert.

Over the past weeks, Australians have come out in support and generously given to assist fire affected southern NSW and eastern Victoria.

However, once the smoke clears and the ‘Firies’ drive away, Rural Aid arrives to step in and help farmers transition from emergency response to a period of recovery.

“The $25 million Disaster Recovery Appeal will help Rural Aid expand its support offerings to farmers in affected fire zones,” Charles Alder said.

“Rural Aid will also assist with domestic water deliveries, financial assistance (Visa Country Cards) and access to counselling. Many farmers spend their Visa Country Cards in their communities, supporting local economies.”

To help us to continue to deliver this much needed aid to our farmers, support Rural Aid’s ‘Buy a Bale’ program by donating at www.buyabale.com.au/donate.

About Rural Aid

Rural Aid is one of Australia’s largest rural charities. Well known for the highly successful ‘Buy a Bale’ campaign, the charity also provides financial assistance, water and counselling to farmers in times of drought, flood or fire. Other initiatives support its vision that farming and rural communities are safeguarded to ensure their sustainability both during and after these natural disasters. Visit www.ruralaid.org.au for further information on these programs and other support for our rural communities.

*Data referenced from NSW Department of Primary Industries and Agriculture Victoria.

ENDS

Media enquiries: Raylee Huggett – 0447 116 757

Media spokespeople:

Rural Aid Co-Founder, Charles Alder – 0410 714 379

Rural Aid Interim CEO, Sarah Hunter – 0421 943 683

Rural Aid National Business Development Manager, Wayne Thomson – 0476 647 281

Quick Stats:

• In 2018 – 2019, Rural Aid delivered $31.6 million in assistance to farmers and their rural communities.
• From July to December 2019, Rural aid delivered $14 million in assistance to farmers and their rural communities.
• Over November and December 2019, more than 2000 farmers registered with Rural Aid.
• Rural Aid has over 12,000 farmers registered for assistance.
• In the recent Christmas and New Year period, Rural Aid delivered over 12,000 gift cards to farmers.
• Between July and December 2019, Rural Aid delivered 372 truck loads of hay and 2094 water deliveries to farmers.

OVER 12,000 FARMERS START RECEIVING GIFT CARDS OVER CHRISTMAS

Posted on 20 December 201931 October 2023

Over 12,000 farmers registered with Rural Aid will receive pre-paid gift cards, valued at $4.25 million, for Christmas and into January thanks to the generosity of everyday Australians and Rural Aid’s corporate donors.

Rural Aid National Business Development Manager Wayne Thomson said over 12,000 farmers are now registered with Rural Aid for assistance. “Since mid-November, we have been sending out the gift cards and they will go a long way to help make life a little easier for many of our farmers and their families over the Christmas period,” Wayne Thomson said.

“Many of the gift cards will be spent in the farmers’ local communities which will also support local businesses and local economies. It’s also a wonderful way of saying to our farmers and their communities that you are not forgotten, that we are here to support you.”

Wayne Thomson said that Glencore’s coal business in partnership with Rural Aid has provided 5800 farming families in New South Wales and Queensland affected by drought with a $300 gift card and a gift pack each for Christmas this year. “Glencore made the $1.7 million donation on behalf of their 5800 staff employed in Glencore’s coal business to farmers in Glencore’s coal business regions,” Wayne Thomson said.

“It’s also thanks to the generosity of everyday Aussies that Rural Aid has sent $500 gift cards to 2000 farmers and a further $300 gift cards to 3500 farmers. In October, the Allora community held a rockabilly high tea to raise funds for the local farmers. This small community, situated between Toowoomba and Warwick in Queensland, also has major water restrictions, but raised $6000 that went towards pre-paid gift cards valued at $300 or $500 to 43 farmers.

“Added to this, half a million dollars will also be spent immediately on $500 gift cards to 1000 farmers from donations received at the recent Hay Mate: A Bush Christmas Appeal. Farmers will start receiving these cards from mid-January 2020.”

Wayne Thomson explained that the number of farmers registering for assistance with Rural Aid in November was the highest monthly total on record at over 1100 farmers.

“However, December has already seen that record broken with 1130 farmers registering for support as at 18 December. In December 2018 we had 66 farmers register for assistance.

“These new figures are extremely disturbing,” Wayne Thomson said. “Normally we would see an average of 400 new farmer registrations each month, but over the past two months the number has more than doubled.”

“We believe these numbers are not only an indication of the worsening drought but the impact that the recent bushfires have had on many properties.

“Farmers have had to reduce their stock numbers and then hand feed the stock they have left – which for many is their breeding stock. Some farmers have de-stocked completely so have no income coming in. It is not surprising they are contacting us for fodder and financial assistance.”

Santa’s helpers at Rural Aid

In the last quarter of the year, Rural Aid invited schools and community groups to send Christmas cards and messages to farmers and their families. The response and glitter were incredible:

• Over 700 schools and community groups sent in over 38,000 cards and letters. 
• Over 198 volunteers, including corporate volunteers, were involved in mailing out Christmas cards and letters to almost 11,000 farmers and their families.
• Farmers received more than one card and letter. The amount of laughter, the occasional tear and glitter were immeasurable as the cards and letters were opened and read.

Messages of thanks from farming families

Merino Farmer, Mitchell QLD:

This morning we have received a gift card in the mail. We would like to thank you so very much for your generosity, it really does mean a lot to both myself and my husband in this dreadful drought.  We are officially in our 7th year now. This gift card was totally unexpected and will be such a help to us.  We wish your entire organisation a very happy Christmas and every happiness for 2020 with a good drenching of rain for everyone.

Cattle Farmer, Marlee NSW:

I just want to say thank you so much for the generous donation of a gift card we received today from your organisation and Glencore (to whom I have also sent thanks). It will help us greatly during this trying time. Thank you.

Farmer, Sapphire NSW

I would like to thank the special children who sent us a handmade Christmas card today. It was heart felt and my husband and myself had tears in our eyes as we read their sincere thoughts. So even though times are tough, we would like to say thank you so much. Merry Christmas to you all and thanks for caring about farmers you don’t know, but support you everyday!

Farmer, Glenn Davis NSW

I would just like to thank the kind children who wrote to us and we appreciate their kind words in these tough times. Fires drought and no rain takes its toll on many in our state. As a firefighter on the Gosper Mountain six weeks now, we wonder when it will end – feeding cattle and poor air quality day after day, this also keeps us from our jobs. So, thank you to those children who sent their best wishes. Our love to them all.

About Rural Aid

Rural Aid is one of Australia’s largest rural charities. Well known for the highly successful ‘Buy a Bale’ campaign, the charity also provides financial assistance, water and counselling to farmers in times of drought, flood or fire. Other initiatives support its vision that farming and rural communities are safeguarded to ensure their sustainability both during and after these natural disasters. Visit www.ruralaid.org.au for further information on these programs and other support for our rural communities.

Media enquiries: Raylee Huggett – 0447 116 757

Media interviews: Wayne Thomson – 0476 647 281