On 25 and 26 August 2014, the Scottish Borders Friends of Farm group were busy raising both funds and awareness for Farm Africa at the Border Union Agricultural Show in Kelso, Scotland.

The group have a regular presence at the annual show where they spread the word about Farm Africa’s work and raise funds to help support farmers in eastern Africa, where John and Anne Sears, who run the stand, lived for many years.

This year, they held a raffle and were also asking for donations in return for hand-made African crafts such as jewellery, bookmarks and key-rings. The sunshine made the crowds generous and a fantastic £237 was raised as a result.

The show is just one of many of the events the Scottish Borders group organise annually. They aim to hold around five or six events each year, ranging from country shows, harvest suppers, coffee mornings and concerts. Whatever the event, each one tackles the twin objectives of raising both funds and awareness for Farm Africa. 

The support of the Scottish Borders group goes back to the origins of Farm Africa itself. Martin and Ruth Johnson set up the group and still lead it to this day. As one of only two Friends of Farm groups in Scotland, the volunteers play a crucial role in spreading news and information about Farm Africa throughout the region.

Sarah Goddard, Community Fundraising Manager, who joined John and Anne Sears at the show this year said; “The Borders Friends of Farm group never ceases to amaze me with their dedication to Farm Africa. John and Anne did a fantastic job chatting to everyone that passed by. Having met farmers in eastern Africa, they were able to say from a very personal point of view how urgent Farm Africa’s work is. Thank you to everyone in the Borders group for making the show a success and for their continued hard work fundraising for Farm Africa.”