The Victor Harbor Farmers’ Market has just made a donation to New South Wales flood relief as well as to local community projects this year.

At its March meeting the market committee decided to repeat its 2021 donation of $5,000 to the Fleurieu Community Foundation, which helps out disadvantaged people in the region.

It also decided to donate $2000 to Blaze Aid, which is helping out farmers in the Northern Rivers region who have lost stock, fodder and fencing in the recent devastating floods.

Farmers’ Market chair Neil Hosking says the committee wanted to give direct practical help to primary producers who really need it.

“We have contacts in the area who advised that this was the best way to help, so we were guided by them.

The donation will go to the BlazeAid NSW North Coast Group, who are in a position to know what help local farmers need most and how to get it to them.

“The committee has great admiration for the practical, hands-on work done by the Fleurieu Community Foundation so it was an easy decision to also give to them again this year.”

Mr Hosking says the market is in a position to make donations because of the volunteers who run the market, rather than employing a market manager.

“All the committee members are volunteers, from the community and stallholders, who give their time to make sure the market runs smoothly.

The market’s income comes from stallholder fees and annual market memberships.  

“Since it has been run by volunteers, over the last four years, the market has given back to the community more than $30,000, representing 85 per cent of membership fees,” Mr Hosking says.

“The market is a part of the south coast community and it is important to us to contribute to the community through our annual donations.

“So by becoming a member you are helping the community as well as the market, and receiving a 10 per cent discount on your purchases.

“We are always looking for more members and volunteers to help, email the market if interested.

The Victor Harbor Farmers’ Market is held in Grosvenor Gardens every Saturday from 8am to 12.30pm.