High school students host successful farm day fundraiser

Two year 12 students from Murray Bridge High have successfully planned and hosted a fundraiser on behalf of the school’s ag students.

Megan Clothier and Abby Altamura couldn’t be happier with the open farm day’s turnout from the community on Sunday.

The fundraiser was part of Megan’s year 12 assessment, in which she chose to do a community event.

The goal was not only to raise money for a new outdoor ag kitchen but also raise awareness about what happens in the agricultural aspect of their schooling.

The event was located at Murray Bridge High’s Roper Road farm, where the two girls have attended their agricultural classes since year eight.

“We were only expecting 100 to 200 people, so it definitely exceeded our expectations,” Megan said.

Around 400-600 community members who filtered through the farm gates: neighbours, friends and students all wanting to attend for a great cause.

Lots of positive feedback came from the younger school kids, some even saying they would choose ag in the next semester thanks to the event, Megan said.

The fundraiser hit its target, too.

“We had a goal of $10,000 and I think we’ve gone over that,” she said.

Money also came from sponsors such as Monteith Meats, Compass Feeds and the Show Society Foundation, who donated to Roper Road farm.

Event organiser Roxanne Rowland said the open day had been amazing.

“We’ve never had so much interest from the wider community, not just neighbours but the broader community, people saying ‘we didn’t know what was behind the fence’,” she said.

There were many activities to enjoy on the day, from planting seeds and colouring in to a raffle and a farmers’ challenge which got quite competitive.

Coomandook Area School ag students served waffles to raise funds for their Royal Adelaide Show trip, the Rotary Club provided a barbecue, there was a coffee van, and Jervois Netball Club sold hot doughnuts.

While the two girls won’t be at the school next year to see the new upgrades in action, they know the funds will be put to good use.

They took on recommendations from their teachers and peers about what they would like to see on the school farm.

“We would like to thank the community for coming and supporting us, it’s very appreciated, especially our sponsors,” Megan said.

Correction: This story has been updated to correct the name of a sponsor and Ms Rowland's job title.