Flanno for a Farmer was set up to raise awareness and funds to support the mental health of farmers.
Its mantra is that Australians always need farmers to sustain the nation, but it’s important to recognise that sometimes they need us too.
Through drought, floods, fires, plagues and more, our farmers are often working in tough conditions, in an often isolating role.
The frequency and severity of natural disasters mean many are at risk of losing their farm, and according to a 2021 study, one farmer dies by suicide every 10 days, which is a staggering 59 per cent higher than the rate among non-farmers.
Padman Stops compliance manager Maddison Foy said it was really exciting to get involved in this initiative.
“We did this in conjunction with the Farm Angels Foundation and on August 23 we had the flannel day,” she said.
“At the Padman group, we've been raising money this month for Farm Angels through donations for our monthly barbecue, where we also do a raffle with all the teams across our sites.”
Ms Foy said the team members collectively took it upon themselves to raise money for the cause.
“And then we got together today, got the flannels on and wore them throughout the day, to do what we could to support the cause,” she said.
Ms Foy said Padman Stops’ connection to the farming industry made it a no-brainer to support Flanno for a Farmer.
“We strive to embody our mission, which is as the farmer’s friend, and being the farmer’s friend in our day-to-day operations,” she said.
“Flanno for a Farmer provides us with a further opportunity to support the industry that we work within, as well as raising awareness of the issues around the mental health of farmers, in our local community.
“We work and live in an area that is heavily agricultural, and there are many farmers that work within our community.
“So it’s great to raise awareness for those struggles that they may face, with their careers being their livelihoods and their day-to-day lives as well.”
If you would like to donate to Flanno for a Farmer, or to find out more, visit www.flannoforafarmer.com.au/
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