Funds continue to roll in for the Africa 100 appeal, which has received a welcome boost from international food group VION.
VION has pledged its support for the industry-wide appeal, which has so far raised more than £160,000 to help support agricultural projects on farms in East Africa.
The next event in aid of Africa 100 will be the National Farmers’ Union golf day, on April 29, being held at Henley Golf and Country Club. Among the names already signed up to play at the Warwickshire course are former leading National Hunt jockey turned broadcaster Mick Fitzgerald. The Irishman rode over 1,000 winners in a glittering career including the 1996 Grand National on Rough Quest.
As part of the fundraising activities, the day will conclude with a three-course gala dinner and exclusive charity auction where a number of glittering prizes will be on offer. The NFU has secured the services of a professional auctioneer and the lots will include Virgin balloon flights, a Nintendo Wii and three nights' accommodation courtesy of Farm Stay UK.
NFU director general Richard Macdonald said: “VION is a major player in the UK food industry and I am very grateful they have shown their support for the Africa 100 appeal. An amazing amount of money has been raised so far and the generosity shown will go a long way in breaking the cycle of poverty and securing the future of hundreds of farmers across East Africa.
“The golf day promises to be a great day and an opportunity to raise even more funds for such a worthwhile cause. I’m pleased that Mick Fitzgerald has agreed to come along and support the event despite his busy schedule. He will be part of one of two media teams for the day and I’ve heard he’s a good player - although my team will be all out to win.”
