Generous Taranaki farmers have raised $168,060 for IHC through the IHC Calf & Rural Scheme in the past 12 months, with 386 of the region's farmers donating to the scheme.
Taranaki's contribution was part of the $1.4 million raised nationally by rural New Zealand to support people with intellectual disabilities. This is down to the generosity of more than 3500 farmers throughout New Zealand who pledged 4341 calves, including virtual calves, to be sold on IHC's behalf.
"IHC is so incredibly grateful to farmers in Taranaki and nationally, who supported the Calf & Rural Scheme this year, and for their ongoing loyalty to the Scheme since it began 33 years ago," says Greg Millar, IHC national manager fundraising.
More than $35m has been raised through the scheme for New Zealanders with intellectual disabilities since its inception in 1985.
"The money raised is very important to the work IHC is able to do to each year, but the support of farmers and rural communities has always been much more than the money.
"Each and every year, these generous farmers have joined together with IHC to support people with intellectual disabilities to live active and satisfying lives in the community," says Greg.
For 30 of those years the Calf & Rural Scheme has also enjoyed the support of PGG Wrightson .