Post Thanksgiving, we have the well-known Black Friday and Cyber Monday shopping deals, but will you also be participating in #GivingTuesday? Giving Tuesday is a charitable alternative to Black Friday and Cyber Monday and is a movement to create an international day of giving at the beginning of the Christmas and holiday season.
One thing I love about agriculture is when things go awry, the community really tends to pull together and help one another. Whether it’s fires in California or Oklahoma, tornadoes in Iowa, or hurricanes down South, millions of animals need rehousing, fences and buildings need repair, homes must be cleaned and rebuilt, and feed and water are needed. (Just to name a few!) We can all do our part to help and here’s how:
Hurricane Michael did $2.5 BILLION in damages to the farming community in Georgia. Fortunately, the Georgia Farm Bureau is doubling or even tripling donations at certain hours of the day on #GivingTuesday. The online event goes from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., and you can learn more at www.gagives.org. Here is an hourly breakdown of what’s going on:
Make your dollar go further during a giving challenge
7 a.m. – 8 a.m. | Timber Power Hour
Sponsored by the Georgia Forestry Association
The timber industry sustained $763 million in direct losses after Hurricane Michael. In recognition of this important industry, the Georgia Forestry Association will triple every dollar donated to the fund during this hour up to $10,000.
11 a.m. – noon | Invest in Hope, Bank on Change Challenge
Sponsored by Farm Bureau Bank
Farm Bureau Bank is invested in supporting those who have been impacted by Hurricane Michael. Take interest in the hope and future of Georgia’s agricultural community and bank on us to do the same — Farm Bureau Bank will double every dollar donated to the fund during this hour up to $10,000.
Noon – 1 p.m. | Peanut Power Hour
Sponsored by James, Bates, Brannan, Groover LLP
Hurricane Michael caused $2.5 billion in damage. If Georgia Farm Bureau can get 100 donations of $25 or more, James, Bates, Brannan & Groover LLP will donate $10,000 to the storm relief fund.
2 PM – 3 PM | Cotton “Come Together” Challenge
Sponsored by McNair, McLemore, Middlebrooks & Co. LLC
If Georgia Farm Bureau can get more than 250 unique donations in one hour, McNair, McLemore, Middlebrooks & Co will donate up to $10,000.
5 PM – 6 PM | The Rural Power Hour
Sponsored by Georgia’s EMCs
Georgia’s EMCs are helping to bring the POWER back to our rural communities. During the last Power Hour, the largest distribution network in the state wants you to join them in LIGHTING up the cause to aid farmers and ranchers. ENERGIZE your efforts during this final push and Georgia’s EMCs will double each contribution made up to $10,000.
Surprise giving challenges from Georgia Farm Bureau Insurance
Georgia Farm Bureau Insurance will be hosting three Surprise Giving Challenges throughout the day at 9 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. Stay tuned to learn how you can help us earn tens of thousands of dollars more for farmers on Giving Tuesday!
You can also click here to share images and posts on social media or visit gfb.ag/stormrelief or share posts from the Georgia Farm Monitor or Georgia Farm Bureau Facebook pages. A few popular hashtags to follow, promote and help Georgia farmers are #GAGives, #WeatheredButStrong, #GFBGives, #GivingTuesday and #AgStrong. And we in ag really are strong — nearly $350,000 has already been raised and help is already underway. Please consider helping and donating if you can.
California is also in crisis
California Farm Bureau has also established a Farm and Rural Disaster Fund for all those affected by wildfires, flooding, and other natural disasters. Created under the California Bountiful Foundation, these donations will helps farmers, ranchers, and other rural areas come back from catastrophic losses. The Camp Fire is contained, but not necessarily out, and recovery has begun. This is the deadliest fire in California’s history with more than 153,000 acres affected and 85 civilian fatalities. Here is a social media thread on the Facebook group “My Job Depends on Ag” with how you can help. Here is the link to the California Farm Bureau where you can donate.
It is a humbling time and our hearts go out to all those affected. Please consider giving to these very important and helpful groups — together we can make a difference.
Michelle Miller, the Farm Babe, is an Iowa-based farmer, public speaker, and writer, who lives and works with her boyfriend on their farm, which consists of row crops, beef cattle, and sheep. She believes education is key in bridging the gap between farmers and consumers.
