Leading farming charity the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RABI) has recognised the NFU for its fundraising efforts.
At the RABI AGM and awards ceremony in Oxfordshire, NFU Deputy President Guy Smith received the Dennis Brown Shield on behalf of the NFU which has raised in excess of £25,000 for RABI in the past three years alone.
RABI is a welfare charity which helps farming people in financial difficulty. Each year it supports around 1,500 farming families and, in addition to giving practical help, pays out around £2 million in grants.
Support is offered in confidence to people of all ages and includes one-off, emergency or regular payments, as well as the provision of essential household items and disability equipment.
Mr Smith, who collected the award from Lord Plumb, said: “Having attended many NFU events over the years I know how hard our grassroots members work raising money for RABI. It’s great to see that work recognised.
“RABI provides a vital safety net for our industry by looking out for those who fall on difficult times and are in need of help and assistance. That’s why it is such a popular charity with our organisation and its work could not be more important than it is today.
“During my acceptance speech I compared the challenge of Brexit to a tightrope walk where the winds of volatility seem somewhat destabilising and disconcerting for the walker. It’s at times like these that the presence of a good safety net like RABI helps us all face the challenges in front of us with a lot more confidence.
Mr Smith added: “I’m sure our members will continue to recognise the vital work RABI does and will continue to support it as a charity.”
RABI work is funded by voluntary donations, money raised at events arranged by county committees, businesses and community groups, fundraising staff and through investment income.
