A WIMMERA-BASED mental health charity has received a boost from generous Horsham residents.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Naked Farmer, run by St Helens Plains Ben Brooksby farmer, was given a $5000 donation from the Horsham Carols by Candlelight committee from donations raised during the 2019 carols in December.
Committee member Simon Dandy said community members donated $2500 at the event, with the committee matching that total.
"Every year we choose to donate to an issue that affects the region. Mental health affects everyone no matter where you come from," Mr Dandy said.
"We thought it was a good way to keep money in the region and support a fantastic charity."
Mr Brooksby said the money would go back into funding mental health projects for The Naked Farmer.
"I'm absolutely overwhelmed that the committee has matched the donation from the community," he said.
"It shows the importance of mental health in the region and why it's so important to people living in a framing district. On behalf of The Naked Farmer, I am absolutely honoured to accept the donation and put to good use."
Projects on the horizon for The Naked Farmer include a photography book, more talks and a podcast.
"All you need is an internet connection to be connected to other people, which is what The Naked Farmer is all about. It's a great way to share stories and show that there is no perfect method when it comes to dealing with mental health," he said.
"Not everyone likes reading books, so a podcast would be a great way to get those people on the headers and tractors to listen to mental health messages."
Mr Brooksby said he hoped the podcast project would start by the end of this year.
"We're working on publishing a book at the moment which will coming out later this year. I also have lots of speaking gigs in coming months," he said.
You can find The Naked Farmer's Instagram account at @the.naked.farmer
RELATED:
While you're with us, you can now receive updates straight to your inbox twice weekly from the Wimmera Mail-Times. To make sure you're up-to-date with all the news from across the Wimmera, sign up below.
