Farmers’ Choir raises £46k for charities during ‘unforgettable night’
21st March 2024
A performance by The Farmers’ Choir has raised £46,000 for Scottish agriculture charity, RSABI, and Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance (SCAA).
Compered by well-known farmer and comedian Jim Smith and sponsored by leading livestock auctioneers, United Auctions, the 85-strong choir performed songs to a packed Perth Concert Hall on 25th February.
The choir received a standing ovation and collected an impressive sum, which will be split equally between the two charities.
The choir, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, has raised more than £170,000 over the years.
During the past decade, the choir has supported many rural initiatives. The Perth event was part of RSABI’s #KeepTalking campaign to encourage people to reconnect and look out for each other.
“Truly magical evening”
The idea for the concert first came when Perthshire farmer David Mitchell and his wife, Janie, a member of the choir, hatched an idea to raise funds for two charities close to their hearts.
Their plans were delayed, due to Covid, but reignited during a chance conversation last year with RSABI CEO, Carol McLaren.
Ms McLaren said: “We are very grateful for all the support we received for the concert, and our thanks go to everyone who played a part in making it such an unforgettable night.
“We know how hard the choir practised, and it all paid off on the night – they literally sang their socks off and the result was a truly magical evening for everyone. Our thanks also go to a very dapper-looking, kilted Jim Smith for his brilliant MCing of the night, our main sponsor, United Auctions, and all those who sponsored songs, bought tickets or supported in other ways.
“We were particularly pleased that so many farming folk had the opportunity to meet up and enjoy each other’s company, with lots of reports of people meeting friends they hadn’t seen for up to 50 years! This rekindling of friendships is very much in the spirit of our #KeepTalking campaign.”
Memorable success
The choirmaster of The Farmers’ Choir, Kate Picken MBE, added that the group was “absolutely delighted” that the concert raised such a big sum for RSABI and SCAA.
She added: “Our sincerest thanks to all who contributed to making the event such a memorable success.”
SCAA community fundraising officer for Perthshire, Dundee and Angus, Claire Mitchell, said: “We’re extremely grateful to the agricultural community for recognising the value of a service like SCAA, which can bring medical support to even the most remote and rural farms and airlift patients on to vital hospital care.”
READ MORE: Farmers urged to seek mental health support on Blue Monday – and beyond
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 at 0808 1234 555 (calls won’t show up on phone bills). Farmers can also use a confidential webchat service, available on RSABI’s website.
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