A north-east farming family has raised an incredible £30,140 for RSABI after welcoming 340 guests to a Burns Charity Bash at Thainstone Centre, Inverurie, on Friday 31 January, to support people in Scottish agriculture.
Organised and hosted by Craig and Julie Stuart, part of the Marshall family of Marshall’s Farm Shop, the event brought the local farming and rural community together for an evening of laughter, music and fundraising in aid of RSABI, the charity which provides emotional, practical and financial support to people in Scottish agriculture.
The night was compered by farmer comedian and RSABI #KeepTalking ambassador Jim Smith, with live music from local band, The Limit, and an auction conducted by Donald Young of United Auctions. Guests also enjoyed a three-course Burns supper prepared by Harry Fraser Catering Services Limited.
In keeping with RSABI’s #KeepTalking campaign, which encourages people in agriculture to reconnect and look out for one another, the event provided an opportunity for people to get together for some social interaction while raising vital funds for the charity’s work.
Jane Mitchell, Chair of RSABI, extended heartfelt thanks to everyone who helped make the Burns Charity Bash a resounding success.
“We are incredibly grateful to Craig and Julie Stuart and the wider Marshall family for hosting such a fantastic evening and to everyone who came along to support RSABI. Events like this make a real difference to our work, and the generosity shown on the night was truly humbling,” said Jane.
“A big thanks goes out to our main sponsors, Sinclair Agricultural & Recycling Services and Marshalls Farm Shop, for their kind support, along with all the local businesses who donated auction and raffle prizes.”
RSABI also extended special thanks to those who helped make the evening memorable, including Charlie and Gary Raeburn of Forbes Raeburn for the Address to the Haggis and piper, Roehill Springs for the welcome drink, John Wink Design for sponsoring the cash prize balloon, Balmaud Distillery as Heads & Tails sponsor, The Gin Bothy for the toast drink and Forest Farm for providing ice cream.
Hosts Craig and Julie Stuart expressed their sincere gratitude to everyone who made the event such a success.
“We were overwhelmed by the support shown on the night. Seeing so many people from the farming and rural community come together, and raising £30,140 for RSABI, really exceeded our expectations.” said Julie.
“Farming can be lonely at times. Long hours, working alone and the pressures that come with the job can leave people feeling isolated. That’s why getting together off farm is so important. People need more opportunities like this to socialise, especially those who may be struggling behind the scenes. Nights like this let folk step away from work, have a laugh and realise they’re not on their own.
“The worrying rate of mental health problems in agriculture was a big motivation for us organising this event. We wanted to create something positive, not just to raise money, but to bring people together and remind them that support is there if they need it.
“RSABI does vital work to help people in farming who are facing tough times, and we’re incredibly proud to have played a part in raising funds and awareness for such an important cause. Having lost a parent myself at a young age, I know how deeply loss affects families, and if we can help prevent even one tragedy through raising awareness and supporting the work RSABI does to promote positive mental health in farming, then the event has done what we hoped for.”
RSABI offers free practical, financial, and emotional support including counselling services, delivered quickly after receiving the initial enquiry. Its free confidential support service is available 24 hours a day, every day of the year, by calling 0808 1234 555 (calls won’t show up on phone bills) or through a confidential webchat service, available on RSABI’s website www.rsabi.org.uk.