Giving back to the rural sector

Last year, the owners of the agribusiness Carrfields Group created a Rural Health and Wellness Initiative. Chairperson Stacey McKerchar says the Foundation is a 100% charitable trust that will fund this inititative from allocations contributed annually from the parent company. She says the main objective is to ensure that rural communities have access to mental and physical health checks and rural people have the chance to get a personal 'warrant of fitness'.

"We recognised that many of our loyal customers are often fighting mental health issues brought about by isolation or the relentless nature of modern farming or having difficulty accessing good health advice,” McKerchar explains.

“Because of long lead times to see doctors, or the inability to get offfarm for several hours, we figured that part of their routines often revolved around auctions or on-farm sales and thought, if that’s the case, let’s take healthcare to those locations.”

This resulted in the Carr Family Foundation commissioning a purpose- built bus that travels the country. It is manned by nurses who can carry out a general holistic check-up – covering areas such as blood pressure, cholesterol levels, weight and body mass indexing – then dispensing solid advice on any health issues.

“Our nurses are also on hand to look out for any signs of mental health or anxiety issues,” McKerchar adds. “Of course, if anything is untoward, they can help make doctor or medical professional appointments and – if needed – call the emergency services.”

In 2022, the minibus set up as far south as Gore, then headed north taking in several locations – including Mosgiel and North Canterbury.

During 2023, locations have so far included Masterton, Fielding and Te Kuiti, with the recently devastated East Cape region on the “hit list” for later in the year.

Another key part of the initiative is the ambassadorial and logistics role by Ashburtonbased, Craig “Wiggy” Wiggins. He describes his involvement as a ‘great fit’ for the work he already does around rural mental health with his ‘Whatever with Wiggy’ charity that facilitates mental health support throughout NZ.

“We turn up at stockyards and see everyone who shows up, including the yard staff, auctioneers and stock agents, typically seeing 40 to 50 people every day,” Wiggins explains. “People receive a report card to take to their own GP for further follow up if required.”

He says with many rural people often living in an isolated community, many people have avoided doctor’s visits – with some even admitting 30 years between visits.

“We just want to make it easy for them to get a quick check-up and have some peace of mind, then maybe go back to their communities and start a conversation about regular health checks.”

Wiggins knows he will be busy at the events but believes his role at the sale yards is straightforward.

“I’ll break the ice, have a chat with passers-by, and then offer a quick health check.”

McKerchar says in any community or business, people are always the greatest asset.

“So, we are happy to facilitate much-needed health advice and give a little back to those people who have supported our businesses over the last four decades.”