John Kyle (MD) and the team at Caledonian Marts instigated, organised, and staged a highly successful auction to raise funds to support Ukrainian farmers and others affected by the Russian invasion of their country. The auction is a great example of Scottish farmers and rural businesses coming together to help Ukraine.
Livestock, Vouchers, and other items were on offer at the event with the total raised standing at in excess of £70,000, and to be equally split between UNICEF and Central Plains Group.
The Caley staff were horrified, as we all were, by the awful news reports from Ukraine and decided to do something about it. Instigating such an event set precedent for communities’ response to such events and the organisation of such proved in being a large but beneficial task. With hundreds of donations, communication good logistics between supporters of the cause was crucial along with the coordination of the event in which Caledonian Marts maintained their quality of delivery.
This initiative benefitted the local farming community and rural communities across Scotland by providing them with a platform through which they could support their Ukrainian counterparts. The collaboration involved from Caledonian Marts and donors and recipients brought together the community and provided meaningful work for all involved to be proud of, along with inspiring other industries take similar action.
Ukrainian farmers and aide charities also benefitted from the support as recipients of the funds raised, while an overall awareness was reinforced to support those suffering in Ukraine, including the agriculture community.