Farm Africa congratulates Devenish on long-distance fundraising relay success

08 April 2015

For the past four weeks, staff across the Devenish Group have cycled, run and swum 4,240 miles to fundraise for Farm Africa, launching Devenish’s first ever Charity of the Year.

But the Devenish fundraisers didn’t head off for warmer climes; most of their fundraising activities took place locally in Northern Ireland. Staff from across the Group in the UK, Ireland and beyond participated in the virtual relay and reached their target just before the Easter weekend. One dedicated member of the team, Terry Lofthouse, clocked up almost 400 miles!

The 4,240 miles measures the distance from Devenish’s Belfast HQ to Hoima in Uganda where Devenish are funding agricultural activities for farmers. Farm Africa also has projects in Uganda, as well as in Kenya, Tanzania and Ethiopia.

Patrick McLaughlin, CEO Devenish UK and Ireland, led the fundraising drive. He explained:

“Devenish Group’s global business is focussed on providing nutritional solutions for the agri-food sector and delivering the best outcomes for livestock producers. Raising funds for Farm Africa and helping smallholder farmers to grow themselves and their families out of poverty and hunger is a cause we are proud to support.”

“Everyone across the Group was united by the common goal of covering the miles – it’s been a pleasure to watch people pull together to launch our partnership with Farm Africa. Farm Africa has a fantastic track record of delivering tools, knowledge and expertise on the ground and we look forward to supporting them this year, having kicked off with the relay.”

Penny Ruszczynski, Corporate Fundraising Manager at Farm Africa, hailed the achievement. “4,240 miles was a huge undertaking in just four weeks, but we are delighted that Devenish Group have launched our partnership so successfully! And we are excited to see what fundraising activities they have planned for the year ahead.”

Businesses within the Devenish group that took part in the relay include Devenish UK & Ireland, Devenish International, A-One Feed Supplements,Hi-Peak Organic Feeds and Vitrition.

Staff will be taking on a host of other activities in aid of Farm Africa over the coming year, led from the front by the Group's Executive Chairman, Owen Brennan who is taking part in the Farm Africa Bale Mountains Challenge in Ethiopia in November alongside other leaders from the food industry.

Owen Brennan said “well done to all who have made this first step such a success and I look forward to our continuing efforts in the year ahead”

Ends

Notes for editors:

About Devenish

Devenish Group is a leader in developing and offering nutritional solutions to the challenges faced by livestock producers and owners of companion and leisure animals. It employs over 300 staff worldwide, including around 200 at its Belfast HQ.

Visit Devenish Group’s fundraising page: www.justgiving.com/Devenish-Group

For more information on Devenish please visit www.devenishnutrition.com or contact Simon Caughey, Marketing Manager, on simon.caughey@devenishnutrition.com

About Farm Africa

Farm Africa believes that Africa’s farmers can feed Africa’s people. It provides solutions before hunger becomes an emergency, investing in farmers to give them the tools and skills they need to feed their families. It also trains groups of farmers in how to market and sell what they farm so their families see change not just for this harvest but for years to come.

To learn more please visit www.farmafrica.org

For more information, please contact: 

Farm Africa Press Office

Kaye Stearman: 020 7841 5156 / kayes@farmafrica.org