Colleagues Take On Month-long Challenge for Two Charities

Colleagues from CCF set themselves a month-long challenge to virtually tour the 19 CCF locations across Wales, whilst raising £10,000 for charity.

The company wide fundraising challenge saw participants aim to complete the 435 miles loop by either walking, running, or cycling to get the miles. The challenge was accompanied by a grand raffle consisting of over 60 prizes, kindly donated by CCF suppliers.

The incredible sum was raised, in aid of the Wales Air Ambulance and DPJ Foundation, after the company staff clocked off 1875 miles during the challenge.

Elen Griffiths, organiser of the fundraiser, said:

“We recognise the importance of the two vital charities for rural communities, and proud of our contribution to support their work. The challenge has been a great opportunity for staff to come together and have fun, all in aid of two life-saving charities. We thank all customers, staff and suppliers that donated towards the fundraiser.”

Annie James, volunteer at the DPJ Foundation, said:

“So far we have seen referrals through to counselling increase 60% this year on the same period last year and we are so very grateful to CCF for both their fundraising, to support us to be able to provide free counselling to farmers and their families who are struggling and we are also very grateful to them for their support in helping us raise more awareness of the charity: Importantly breaking down the stigma surrounding poor mental health and helping people be more aware of the support that we can offer.”

Katie Macro, Wales Air Ambulance’s Campaigns Manager, said:

“A huge congratulations to everyone from CCF, who set themselves a tough challenge to virtually visit all its bases in just one month. £10,000 is a terrific amount for any company to raise and everyone should be extremely proud of themselves. Donations, like this one, will enable our helicopters to continue to fly and to keep our rapid response vehicles on the road.  You’re all helping save lives across Wales, thank you so much.”

The Wales Air Ambulance Charity emergency service offers advanced critical care and is often described as a ‘Flying ED’. The on-board consultants and critical care practitioners are highly skilled and carry some of the most pioneering medical equipment in the world. They can deliver blood transfusions, administer anaesthesia, and undertake emergency operations at the scene of the incident, before flying the patient directly to specialist care.

The DPJ Foundation is a Welsh mental health charity set up in 2016 to support those in agriculture and rural communities with mental health problems. The DPJ Foundation also run the 24/7  ‘Share the Load’ call and text line which provides a confidential space to discuss your worries, and allows you to offload, no matter how big or small the issue may seem. Through the call line farmers and their families can find out more about the counselling process and access this fully funded vital support.

CCF is a farmer owned co-operative trading across Wales and the borders, providing farming and country dweller products across a wide range of product categories. Its 18 retail stores are located across Wales, accompanied with a feed blending plant near Cardigan.

Pictured (L-R): Rich Axon & Elliott Rees (Wales Air Ambulance), Elen Griffiths (CCF), Annie James (The DPJ Foundation)