The nationwide scheme, which is now in its 32nd year, has raised more than $25m for IHC since it began.
Canvassing for this year’s donations is about to begin. Young-Kennedy said the organisation recognised the pressures farmers are facing in the current climate, so to ensure the continued success of the scheme, they are also canvassing corporate farms to donate virtual calves as well as also accepting lambs, fruit, bales of wool, cull animals and other goods from across the farming community.
Young-Kennedy said the farming community was incredibly generous.
“Farmers say I have a family of four children and are lucky all four are healthy, so I’ll donate four calves.”
Transport companies volunteer to move the calves and PGG Wrightson organises the sale of the stock throughout the country.
Since the scheme began, the most significant changes Young-Kennedy has seen is accountability in regards to TB testing and NAIT requirements. IHC is a NAIT-accredited information provider.
The funds raised help support the charity arm of IHC, national manger fundraising Eleisha McNeill said.
The service arm of IHC receives government funding but the charity arm, which funds a volunteer programme and training, advocacy, a library, awareness programmes, workshops and more, does not receive any government funding and is reliant on donations.
• To get involved with the IHC Calf & Rural Scheme call 0800 442 442 or go to www.ihc.org.nz/get-involved/donate/calf-andrural-scheme.
