Rural Support, which has teamed up with wind energy company, Simple Power, to launch its first ever ‘Christmas Hamper Scheme’ aimed at helping farming and rural families in need, has been overwhelmed by the support and generosity of Northern Ireland food and drink producers for their support.

Over 15 local businesses, including many of the leading lights of the local agri-food industry, have thrown their weight behind Rural Support and Simple Power’s Christmas hamper appeal. Each have donated items to ensure that the charity can deliver approximately 50 hampers to hard-hit families throughout Northern Ireland.

Generous donors include: Armagh Cider, Bailies Coffee, Clandeboye Yoghurt, Comber Potatoes, DJ’s Apple Cider, Karro Foods, Linden Foods, Mash Direct, Moy Park, Punjana Tea, Tesco Northern Ireland, TMC Dairies and White’s Oats.

Staff from the Rural Development Council, South Antrim Community Network and Ulster Farmers Union have also chosen to support the appeal.

Rural Support’s Development Director, Jude McCann, said “I’m delighted with the response we have received and would like to sincerely thank Simple Power for coordinating  the appeal and to all of the local agri-producers who have been  very kind and generous with their donations, especially given the added pressures these companies are generally under during the festive season. Their support is much needed and will make a great difference to a rural family in need this Christmas.”

Rural Support provides support for farmers and rural families through a helpline offering a listening and signposting service. It deals with a range of issues including emotional distress, suicide risk, physical and mental health, farming paperwork and bureaucracy.

Wind energy company, Simple Power are co-ordinating the hamper appeal on behalf of the charity. The local business works in partnership with farmers across Northern Ireland and is committed to an on-going partnership with Rural Support, providing financial support alongside fundraising activities.

Simple Power Chief Executive, Philip Rainey, commented, “We are delighted by the support shown from local agri-producers for our Christmas Hamper Scheme in partnership with Rural 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, particularly within the rural community. With the support of the local producers, the hampers will go some way towards providing a little Christmas cheer, alongside Rural Support’s very beneficial support service.”