One of the most popular items selling at the CRT stand during FarmFest was the blue poly-pipe drafting sticks, with all the proceeds going to Dolly’s Dream Foundation.
The Dolly's Dream Foundation is a charity group established by family and friends of the late Dolly Everett. Dolly was the victim of bullying, who ended her own life in the Northern Territory earlier this year.
The idea of selling the blue drafting sticks was something that struck a chord with team member Rachael Long from Farmcraft CRT at Coopers Plains.
Many years ago Rachael when attended high school, she was also a victim of bullying.
“The Dolly’s Dream Foundation is very personal for me as I was bullied at school and it made me very sad and depressed that other students could be so horrible,” Rachael said.
“One way for me to remove myself from the bullying behaviour was to to join the school’s cattle club.
“I found the cattle club members more supportive and that is where I gained a love of the rural industry and its people and have since forged my career in agriculture.”
Rachael said when she pitched the idea of the blue drafting sticks to her boss Alistair Ross he ran with it.
“We custom ordered 5000 blue sticks and then we had ‘CRT Supporting Dolly’s Dream’ printed on them,” she said.
“We are selling them for $5 and all the proceeds will go to Dolly’s Foundation.”
In total 2500 sticks were sold during FarmFest raising $12,500.
In a further twist to add more funds to the Dolly’s Dream Foundation, CRT, whose corporate colours are normally blue and white check, they decked their staff in a sea of plain blue and ordered Dolly’s shirts from manufacturer, Country Rippa.
“Every blue Dolly shirt they sell, Country Rippa gives $15 to the Dolly’s Dream Fountain, so we have added some support there as well,” Rachael said.
“It really reinstates the fact that country people are very caring to the Dolly’s Dream Foundation.
“What really is heartening is the number of agricultural students exhibiting cattle at FarmFest have come in to buy sticks for themselves and friends.”
Anyone wishing to support the Dolly’s Dream Foundation, and needs a new cattle drafting stick should contact their nearest CRT store.
If you or someone you know is suffering, please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit beyondblue.org.au
Helen Walker
Helen is the Toowoomba-based journalist who loves nothing better than covering anything horse sport related, however she covers all commodities and personality yarns. Over the years she has lived in Brisbane, Rockhampton, Longreach and Roma filing stories for the 'bible of the bush'. Contact 0459 827414.
Helen is the Toowoomba-based journalist who loves nothing better than covering anything horse sport related, however she covers all commodities and personality yarns. Over the years she has lived in Brisbane, Rockhampton, Longreach and Roma filing stories for the 'bible of the bush'. Contact 0459 827414.
