AN AGRIBUSINESS aiming to help national charity beyondblue says it had great results from AgQuip – more than just monetary.
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Coolamon Chaser Bins is attending several field days this year, raising money for and awareness of mental health and services in rural areas.
Sales manager Peter Munro said his site’s efforts had had a “lot of response”.
After the shock suicide of a longtime staff member, the company decided to plaster its chaser bins at field days with large magnets featuring the talking points ‘anxiety’, ‘depression’ and ‘suicide’.
It is also giving out beyondblue information packs and donating $1000 from every sale during its six-event circuit until September 30.
While not willing to reveal the exact number, Mr Munro said AgQuip 2017 sales had pushed that fundraising total up.
But it had also allowed the exhibitors to start an important conversation.
“This has been a really good year (at AgQuip),” Mr Munro said.
“We’ve had farmers from all over the place; there’s been a lot of interest from southern NSW and into Victoria, where the season is progressing a lot better.
“But we’ve also had people come here clearly just for that reason: to have a chat.”
Mr Munro said the Beyond Bins initiative started after a well-liked and outwardly happy staff member at the Riverina manufacturing business took his own life.
“The boys out the back on the floor came up with this idea and brought it to management, which decided to run with it,” he said.
“It really touched everyone pretty severely.”
He said the Coolamon Chaser Bins staff were receiving support and counselling after the loss of their mate and colleague.