Dairy Cares debuts at CDX

The Huron-Perth Dairy Cares committee at this year’s Canadian Dairy XPO. Front: Lynanne Mason, Danielle Johnston, Cheryl Hunt and Megan Louwagie. Back: Frank Louwagie, Jacqui Tam, Rodney Phillips, Lynn Higgs, David Price, Viola Laing and Jamie Beaumont.

There is a new organization made up of dairy farmers in Perth and Huron counties aimed to tackle the mental health of local farmers.

Huron-Perth Dairy Cares was inspired by other communities across Ontario who all shared the same goal: of giving back to their communities that they are proud to call home.

Two area members of the committee, Frank Louwagie and Jamie Beaumont who both dairy farm near Mitchell, say mental health challenges continue to be a concern on farms in the two-county area. They also add to that physical illness and food insecurity are not distant issues either. They can affect families, friends and neighbours within our community.

Huron-Perth Dairy Cares is committed to raising funds to provide hope and support for loved ones facing these challenging circumstances.

On Nov. 26 at 7 p.m. at the Stratford Rotary Complex there will be a night of giving with a live auction and entertainment, with all proceeds going to the mental health divisions of both Huron and Perth County hospitals.

Proceeds will also go to support Ronald McDonald house charities in Canada and Huron-Perth food banks.

The organizing committee hopes all farmers, and especially dairy farmers, will join them in the opportunity to support causes that are close to home.

The goal is to bring family, farmers, producers and other agricultural partners together to support the two county communities.