A record-breaking sum of money raised by the Harvest Mass Management Scheme is poised to be contributed to charitable causes throughout WA
Numerous charities in Western Australia are poised to receive substantial advantages through a significant donation initiative led by CBH Group, a grain handling enterprise, in collaboration with local cultivators.
The proceeds from the sale of grain surrendered by grain transporters due to loads exceeding specified weights in the HMMS scheme have generated a remarkable sum of $520,000. This sum will be directed towards supporting nine charitable organizations within the state, marking an unprecedented contribution.
In the 2022/23 harvest season, the HMMS experienced its most prolific period in the decade since its inception, with an excess of 1200 tonnes of grain being willingly relinquished from the 22.8 million tonnes delivered to CBH throughout the year.
CBH Chair Simon Stead believes the donations will help both parties, giving a much-needed boost to the charities while in turn allowing them to continue supporting growers.
“It’s wonderful to see that since the scheme’s inception, more than $2.6 million has been donated to a range of charitable organisations, who do important work to support regional communities,” Stead says.
“The HMMS has proven to be an effective deterrent to the overloading of grain trucks during harvest, addressing safety concerns and promoting responsible practices. Simultaneously, the scheme allows growers to give back to their communities.”
The charities receiving donations are:
- Alzheimer’s WA – $40,000
- Breast Cancer Care WA – $40,000
- Cancer Council of WA – $60,000
- Country Women’s Association of WA – $60,000
- Midwest Charity Begins at Home – $22,000
- Regional Mens Health Initiative – $70,000
- Ronald McDonald House of Charities WA – $60,000
- Royal Flying Doctor Service WA – $100,000
- St John WA – $70,000
Both Midwest Charity Begins at Home and St John WA have already been presented with cheques for their funding, with the remainder to be handed out at CBH Regional Members Forums in the next five weeks.
Midwest Charity Begins at Home will use its donation to bring financial relief to residents who suffer from serious illness, while St John will install 36 more Automated External Defibrillators in addition to the 134 already in place across grain growing areas.
Having nominated Midwest for the donation, CBH Geraldton Plant Operator Hayden Ralph presented the cheque to the charity.
“I nominated Midwest Charity Begins at Home because they support Midwest families faced with a serious illness,” Ralph says.
“I have been involved with the charity through helping with their fundraisers, annual gala ball and donating auction items.
“Knowing that the funds raised go towards helping those with serious illness within the Midwest region is really special.”