Couple's bloomin’ lovely charity push at Milton of Kilravock will benefit The Archie Foundation, MFR Cash for Kids, and CHAS, the Scottish Children’s hospice charity
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A couple’s passion for sunflowers during Covid has transcended into a popular fundraiser for three major charities.
Robert Craigie (34) and his fiancée Lucy Barclay began growing the beautiful blooms at Robert’s dad’s farm at Milton of Kilravock.
“The idea was to give people some colour and a bit of happiness outdoors during the Covid lockdown,” said Robert.
“We grew nearly two acres of sunflowers beside our poultry sheds at the farm and invited people to come along, take some of the blooms and make a donation.”
Robert said it gave people an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors with their children and help three major charities: The Archie Foundation, MFR Cash for Kids, and CHAS, the Scottish Children’s hospice charity.
“We started growing them and put pails to collect donations in a shed where we sell our eggs,” Robert continued. “People have been very generous and last year we raised £2900, so the three charities received £900 each. We have had lots of visitors.
“The growing season this year has not been so good because of the lack of rain until of course the downpours last week. But there are still plenty of new blooms coming through and I would hope they will continue for another two or three weeks yet.
“We would like to beat last year’s target of £2700 but the main thing is some money will be raised for charities which had a hard time during Covid, with many experiencing difficulties staging events to get income.
“It’s great to see the families at the farm getting out in the fresh air and of course the kids get to see the farm animals as well and they really enjoy it.”
