The overall winner of the FBD Champions for Change programme will receive €1,000 towards the community project of the choice.
FBD is seeking nominations from people for the Community Champion for Change awards as part of their FBD Champions for Change programme, a major national farm safety and awareness initiative.
Pictured at the launch of FBD Champions for Change are farmer Francis Fannon and his neighbours in Kilteevan, Co. Roscommon
The aim of the competition is to recognise people making a real contribution in the area of farm safety and to highlight the importance of the need to look out for one another in the community.
The overall winner will receive €1,000 towards the community project of their choice and recognition will be given to all finalists. The FBD Champions for Change programme was launched in February 2015 and the campaign uses digital technology to create a nationwide community of interest, discussion and support around the issues involving farm safety and wellbeing.
FBD chief executive Fiona Muldoon said that Christmas is a time of year to look back and be thankful for those special people in your lives.
“Maybe you know someone who helped save a life or who prevented serious injury on a farm, by calling in at the right time. Perhaps you know someone who has used their own experience of a farm accident to help make others safer. We want to give recognition to the people who are making a real difference on the ground, the ordinary people who go the extra mile for others,” continued Muldoon.
Setting an example
This month’s Champions for Change theme is community spirit, a theme which is evident in the story of Roscommon farmer Francis Fannon and his group of neighbours.
Roscommon farmer Francis Fannon.
Francis tragically lost his wife Mary to illness in the springtime, the height of calving and lambing season. With four children to care for, as well as all the work on the farm, twenty or so of Francis’ neighbours set about establishing a rota to help him get back on track.
“I count myself very fortunate to have had such wonderful friendship and support. Kilteevan is the kind of community where people look after each other and help one another,” said Fannon.
“My neighbours are fantastic people whose kindness I can never repay but to be able to thank them publicly will hopefully inspire others to nominate or thank someone in their community who has gone above and beyond to help,” he added.
To nominate your ‘Champion for Change’, visit FBD’s Facebook page, enter via the FBD Website or send an email to info@championsforchange.ie.
All finalists will receive a gift from FBD in recognition of their contribution to their communities and the overall winner will receive €1,000 towards the community project of their choice.
(Source – Irish Farmers Journal – Lorcan Allen – 22/12/2015)