AN ISLAND agricultural charity has had donations totalling £20,000 thanks to the generosity of the Manx public, moved by the plight of farmers hit by the recent snow.
The island’s Agricultural Benevolent Trust, which was founded in 1995, gives financial help to people hit by an accident, illness or some other form of hardship.
Trust chairman Graham Crowe, who was one of the trust’s founders, said they had been delighted by the response they had received.
‘We hope to raise our profile so people know we can offer help, and also to invite donations as well,’ he said.
‘The hardship caused by the bad weather will hit people further down the line in the summer when people are faced with bills to pay and no lambs to sell. We have some reserves and we have had some excellent donations. We are keen for people to stay in the industry and not leave it as a result of this,’ he said.
‘We are extremely grateful to all those individuals and organisations who have supported us in the past, and those who have expressed a wish to do so now in response to the extreme weather of last weekend.’
The island’s Young Farmers recently donated £15,000 to the trust, which Mr Crowe said was much appreciated, and money has been offered from other supporters too.
A free download of the topical new album track Kirree Fo Naightey - which translates as Sheep Under The Snow - is being offered by island band Barrule in return for a donation to the trust. This has so far raised £5,000.
Details and a link to the web page are available on their website at {http://www.barruletrio.com/|www.barruletrio.com/}
Mr Crowe, who was also the trust’s founding chairman in 1995, said all donations to the trust remained on the island to help those involved with the farming community here.
In addition, because the trust is run by volunteers there are no administrative costs incurred so all money donated goes to help good causes.
Mr Crowe said: ‘All referrals will be dealt with in the strictest confidence, and the small board that runs the trust has a very good track record of discretion and professionalism when assessing need.’
The trust may make one-off payments to people or help could take the form of an interest-free loan. The trust’s financial and legal advisors assess the applications and make recommendations to the directors.
However there is a mechanism to offer urgent help if the situation demands.
Anyone wanting to be considered for assistance, or who wants to recommend anyone for support should contact Mr Crowe on 405479 or by email at {mailto:gcrowe@mcb.net|gcrowe(at)mcb.net}. Alternatively contact the trust secretary, Jonathan Corlett on 410154 or email {mailto:jonathan.corlett@manx.net|jonathan.corlett(at)manx.net}. Write to IOM Agricultural Benevolent Trust, c/o Mr JC Fargher, Ballafreer House, Union Mills, IM4 4AB or see the trust’s Facebook page, which also has a donations facility.
