A major push to raise the profile of Welly Week, generating vital funds to support those in the farming industry who are struggling financially, has been launched by the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RABI).
The farming charity is urging people to “pull on their wellies and make a splash” during this year’s Welly Week, which runs from October 31 to November 8.
“With falling prices across various sectors, it has been a tough year for many in the farming world,” said RABI corporate development manager Suzy Deeley. “Welly Week is a chance for the public to show solidarity with British farmers, be that on a farm, in an office or down the pub.”
The charity wants individuals, families, schools, clubs, colleges and businesses to create their own welly event, suggesting such ventures as welly discos, sky dives, tractor pulls and welly wanging competitions.
“We want people to have some fun, whilst remembering there are many within the farming sector who desperately need our support to get through what could be a tough winter,” said Ms Deeley.
Last year, RABI gave out close to £2m in grants, including more than £297,000 to working farmers. This year, the charity has already paid out more than £1m in grants, contributing over £89,000 towards clearing domestic utility bills.
“Farmers don’t want special treatment,” said Ms Deeley. “All they want is a fair price for a more than fair product and to be able to make a living from what they love doing most – which is farming.”
Headline image shows RABI’s welly wearing regional managers (left to right) Pam Wills, Linda Jones, Kate Jones, Sally Field, Sally Conner, Georgina Lamb, Milly Fyfe and Jenni Thompson.
