Northern Ireland Food Producers Unite to Deliver Rural Support’s Biggest Ever Christmas Hamper

Farming and rural charity, Rural Support, which has teamed up again this year with wind energy company, Simple Power, to launch the charity’s ‘Christmas Hamper Scheme’, has been blown away by the scale of the generosity of Northern Ireland food and drink producers. It is firmly on target to deliver the biggest ever rural Christmas Hamper support scheme in Northern Ireland to date.

Some of the biggest names in the local agri-food sector have pledged their support to help farming and rural families in need, with over 19 companies donating food and drink items so far. Rural Support and Simple Power hope to deliver over 100 hampers to hard-hit families throughout Northern Ireland as part of the appeal.

The generous donors so far include Ballyeamon Eggs, Cavanagh Eggs, Clandeboye Estate Yoghurt, Comber Potato Company, Dale Farm, DJ’s Apple Juice, The Good Little Company, Karro Foods, Kerry Food Group, Lidl NI, Mash Direct, Moy Park, Punjana Tea, South Antrim Community Network, Tayto, Tesco NI, Ulster Farmers Union, White’s Oats and Wilsons Country.

Rural Support’s Chief Executive, Jude McCann, commented, “We have been simply overwhelmed by the generosity of local agri-producers especially given the added pressures these companies are under during the festive season. I’m truly delighted with the response we have received to date as more producers than ever have signed up to support the initiative. Their help is much needed and will make a great difference to a rural family in need this Christmas. We would like to sincerely thank Simple Power for their support in co-ordinating the scheme and enabling us to reach more families with packed hampers this year.”

Rural Support is working with its CSR partner, wind energy company Simple Power, on campaigns to raise awareness of the importance of health and wellbeing in rural communities and farm families, including the Christmas Hamper Appeal which was launched in 2013.

Rural Support helps farming and rural families across Northern Ireland on a wide range of issues, from farm business and financial issues to concerns about physical and mental health. The charity provides support for the rural community through a helpline offering a listening and signposting service.

Simple Power Chief Executive, Philip Rainey, commented, “We are delighted by the response from local agri-producers for our Christmas Hamper Scheme.  It would not be possible without their generous support. Christmas can be a very special time for many but it’s important to acknowledge that it can also be a difficult time of year for those in hardship. With the support of the local producers, the hampers will go some way towards delivering a little Christmas cheer this year to hard-hit rural families, alongside Rural Support’s very beneficial support services.”