It is encouraged by the support for of its revamped scheme aimed to raise $800,000, its fundraising national director Greg Millar said.
Since restricting livestock movements because of M bovis the rural community has raised more than half of what could have been a $1 million funding shortfall for people with intellectual disabilities, Millar said.
“While it was an incredibly tough choice to make the positive feedback and generosity has exceeded expectations.
“It’s great to see that people are finding new and innovative ways to continue supporting people with intellectual disabilities.
“It has been a tremendously difficult year for the rural sector and a learning year for IHC to determine the best steps moving forward,” Millar said.
“It’s so encouraging to see the farming community pull together to help out during this phase and this money will go a long way to supporting people with intellectual disabilities in communities around New Zealand.
With just a couple of months till the end of the season it would be great to get over the $800,000 mark, he said.
People can continue to donate a physical calf. They just need to get it to the sales themselves.
IHC is still reviewing how the scheme will look in future but for now the virtual calf option where people can donate in lieu of a calf will remain.
IHC was founded in 1949 and now supports more than 400,000 people with an intellectual disability in residential care, supported living and vocational support.
