The idea to start fundraising came after finding out the exorbitant costs involved in repairing farms along the East Coast, much of which wouldn’t be funded by central or local government.
“I was talking to a colleague at work who was doing statistics on how much damage had been done to farming properties. It was a ridiculous amount. Thousands and thousands of kilometres of fencing costs so much money.”
“I thought, ‘How could a farmer foot a bill like that?’ I just felt really sad for how stressful and awful it must have been for them.”
Denton decided a charity ball would be a great way to fundraise for the Rural Support Trust.
“A ball would be fun. It’s the sort of event that brings people together for a fun night out, but then [they’re] also a great way to raise money as well.”
The event is sponsored by real estate companies Tremains and Colliers, as well as other local businesses who gladly offered to help.
“Georgia’s goals aligned with what Tremains wanted to do in the community,” Tremains sales and operations manager Kiki Abel told Hawke’s Bay Today.
“We definitely wanted to partner with her and create a celebration, but generally to raise funds and bring awareness to the fact that there are still people struggling.”
Denton said she initially wanted to focus on helping with on-farm costs, as that was the biggest need, but soon realised mental health also played a big role in the recovery.
She was told by Rural Support Trust that many farmers felt if their head was “not in the game”, they would struggle to get the job done.
“If they have that mental strength and support, they will be able to tackle it,” she was told.
“It would be great to have money available so if they want to go and see someone, there is money there to cover it.”
Denton hopes farmers and rural community members will also turn up for the occasion.
“I think it would be cool to get people [from] farms and orchards in rural communities to come, because it’s a good incentive to have a bit of a break and forget everything that has been going on. It’s also to celebrate how resilient all the communities have been.”
The Rural Support Trust Gala event will take place on Saturday, October 7 at the Cheval Room in Hastings.
Tickets are available at: https://www.eventfinda.co.nz/2023/rural-support-trust-gala-2023/hastings.
Mitchell Hageman joined Hawke’s Bay Today in late January. From his Napier base, he writes regularly on social issues, arts and culture, and the community. He has a particular love for stories about ordinary people doing extraordinary things.
