Scotland’s unique rural charity RSABI is encouraging supporters to back their latest campaign to meet a target of £150,000 by the spring. 
RSABI is now dipping in to its invested capital in response to the difficult times being experienced by the industry. 
Farmers and crofters have been particularly hard hit. Low commodity prices, uncertainty about subsidy payments and very poor weather conditions earlier this year mean that the number of people receiving grant awards and support from RSABI is on the increase and set to continue.
In 2015, RSABI launched a new helpline designed to provide a single point of enquiry, for anyone regardless of age or circumstances, handling everything from questions about the benefits system and sources of help on farming issues, to delivering support on critical personal matters, including money troubles and emotional distress – this was followed last winter with RSABI responding to the weather crisis and the particularly harsh conditions on Orkney with a ‘straw haulage’ scheme to assist more than 100 struggling farmers and crofters. 
The money raised by the campaign will help replenish existing funds and support an increasing number of applications to the charity – RSABI are keen to make sure there are enough funds for those who are in need.
There are varied opportunities for people to back the current campaign and demonstrate their generosity. 
The supporter scheme is currently gathering momentum, providing the opportunity to join as an individual, business or corporate member, ideally by making an annual donation to the charity. At the end of August, RSABI’s flagship event for the rural industry, the Great Glen Challenge once again puts teams through their paces in the highlands. 
The event raised £62,000 last year, donations can now be made at www.virginmoneygiving.com/fund/RSABIGGC16 for the latest event.
Scotland rugby internationalist, Alex Dunbar, is an ambassador for RSABI and is urging people to back the current campaign: “Times have been tough recently and events like the Great Glen Challenge are an excellent opportunity to raise funds for the campaign and have some active fun while doing so, I would urge everyone who can, to do their bit to support RSABI.”
As part of the campaign, RSABI are putting on a variety of other events for their supporters, including two golf days in the North and South of the country, and a charity clay shoot in the autumn. The fundraising culminates with a supporters’ gala dinner, sponsored by The Royal Bank of Scotland at Gogar, Edinburgh, in the New Year, 2017.
Paul Tinson, RSABI development manager, said: “We are hugely grateful to all those who have come forward recently to join our supporter scheme, and we’ve got a number of great events coming up over the course of the summer and into next year as well. 
“Visit www.rsabi.org.uk to show your support for the current campaign – there has never been a more important time to help us help them.” 

www.rsabi.org.uk