Council voices support for farmers’ dash fundraiser
ERIN – Council here has expressed its support for this years Farmers’ Dash Fundraiser Barrel Race to fundraise for farmer mental health initiatives.
The event is planned for May 30 at Charlie Hill Equine (6090 4th Line) in Orton.
Event organizer and university student Sienna Sovereign presented to council about the event on April 23.
Sovereign was seeking sponsorship connections and hoped to spread awareness about the event.
This year’s event is raising funds for Agriculture Wellness Ontario and Farmer Wellness Initiative.
“The Farmer Wellness Initiative and Agriculture Wellness Ontario are programs that provide free and confidential mental health support, crisis support and counselling services specifically for farmers agricultural families around Ontario,” Sovereign said.
The initiatives can be accessed without a referral, are free, and have both virtual, phone and in-person sessions 24/7, council heard.
Riders will compete in various events and categories such as barrel racing, pole bending – and what Sovereign called “a dash for cash.”
In the latter event, competitors ride straight up on a barrel, circle it, and dash home as fast as possible.
“We’re planning several other components, including a silent auction, with prizes donated from local businesses, a food truck, an ice cream bike and Jenn Hazeleger, a Womens’ Professional Rodeo Association barrel race competitor and a local barrel coach here in Erin,” Sovereign told council.
Hazeleger will demonstrate a “how to” on barrel racing, to invovle spectators.
Sovereign said the Erin event is expected to “bring together members of the local agriculture and equine communities” along with competitors and visitors outside of the province.
Council heard Sovereign has already raised $5,000 toward a $7,500 target.
Councillor Jamie Cheyne offered to connect Sovereign with area feed companies, and councillor Cathy Aylard suggested the town could promote the event via its social media channels.
