The Devon Federation of Young Farmers Clubs celebrates another successful twelve months at this years’ AGM held at Padbrook Park, where the yearly fundraising total for charity was announced at over £88,000, with locally based Charity Devon Air Ambulance receiving over £17,000.

Members and supporters of the Federation demonstrate how they continue to help the wider community, when it was announced the total raised for charity within the last year was £88,402.46.  Members of Young Farmers across Devon raised the money during the year through various fundraising events, including a charity rugby game held by Bradworthy YFC, a big breakfast held by Axminster YFC and an 80 mile coast to coast bike ride challenge by members in Newton St Cyres YFC. Members from Devon YFC held a range of events throughout the year, donating the money raised to local and national charities throughout the year.

Claire Bellew, retiring County Chairman said ‘It has been a brilliant year with fundraising throughout the county, and members have been getting creative with challenges and events to raise money for a number of deserving charities. The overall total raised is a real credit to the members of such a fantastic organisation.’

Charities are chosen by club members and differ year on year. Locally based charity, Devon Air Ambulance are regularly supported, and this year was no exception.Other charities supported by the members included Children’s Hospice South West, the Laura Persey Trust Fund and the Farming Community Network.

Caroline Creer, Fundraising Director at Devon Air Ambulance said, ‘We are extremely thankful for the continued generosity from Devon Young Farmers who have been incredible supporters throughout our history; in 2017 we celebrated 25 years of our service which has only been made possible due to the fantastic support we receive from the friends of Devon such as Devon Young Farmers. We look forward to maintaining our fantastic relationship with them as we continue to grow and develop our service.’

It has been a busy year for the Federation with the launch of the ‘Growing Safer Farmers’ campaign backed by Countess of Wessex at the Devon County Show in May where the Young Farmers tent also won Gold for the best feature in the show. In July members and supporters attended the official opening of the new Amory Building in Cheriton Bishop with HRH The Prince of Wales and in August a group of Junior and Senior members embarked on the Devon YFC Travel programme to Finland and Slovenia respectively.

David Fursdon HM Lord Lieutenant of Devon was re-elected by the members as President for the Federation and Colin Tucker of Chittlehampton YFC was voted as the new County Chairman for the forthcoming year. For more information about the Devon Federation of Young Farmers Clubs, visit www.devonyfc.co.uk. 

Would your organisation, group or business like to get involved in fundraising for Devon Air Ambulance? Contact us with your event idea or have a look at some fundraising inspiration.