$5,000 raised for Surfing for Farmers already!

We're auctioning our cows to raise money for mental health.

One of the events that CAPA was most proud of this year was our Cows in the Park auction, which was held in the Cassels BaaBaa Bar on the Friday of The Show. We are pleased to announce that The Association, alongside Mediaworks and Bayleys Canterbury, has donated $5000 from the auction to rural charity Surfing for Farmers.

Now in its fifth year, Surfing for Farmers is a mental wellbeing programme designed by farmers and for farmers, which takes place in 27 locations throughout New Zealand. Swapping turf for surf, the programme’s aim is to give farmers and growers a brief respite from the all-encompassing and often-stressful grind that is their daily life by giving them permission to enjoy the mental and physical benefits that surfing provides. All abilities are catered for, and after their stint on the water participants get the opportunity to enjoy a relaxed BBQ and a catch-up with likeminded people. All equipment and coaching are free of charge, and to date more than 4000 farmers and growers from around the country have taken part in this fantastic initiative.

Chairman Stephen Thomson says, “The funds raised in this auction will go towards continuing to provide all equipment, BBQ supplies and coaching free of charge to our farmers. It is important to us that we keep things accessible for anyone who would like to attend, as the benefits to that person are endless.”

Committee member and past President Richard Lemon was delighted to present Bayleys Rural Agent Adam Whitelock with a cheque for $5000 for this worthwhile cause. Both Richard, an ex-sheep and beef farmer who currently milks cows and Adam, who hails from a family of dairy farmers (and was a Rural Banker in a previous life), are keenly aware of how vital initiatives such as Surfing for Farmers are for the agricultural industry.

The artist responsible for the glorious sunset-themed artwork in question is Dean Johnstone, known by some in the industry as Elvis, in homage to his outstanding vocal talent. When he’s not painting cows, Dean runs his own business, Dream It Ltd, which specialises in themed bars and murals. Dean (right) pictured here standing with buyer Tony Ahern, also has a passion for old cars and old school trade skills and in 2018 was knighted a ‘Master Signmaker’. We are sure Tony’s purchase will prove quite the talking point for visitors to his home and thank him for his generous bidding efforts