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In 2010, Bristol Sundown raised money for Send a Cow. The charity resonated with the club's desire to raise money for a cause that encouraged sustainable development and social change.
Send a Cow helps African farmers grow enough food to feed their families, sell produce and develop small businesses that last. They provide training, livestock, seeds and ongoing support. They also help families make the most of the land and resources they already have.
In turn, these families then pass on young livestock, seeds or training to others. And so on. And so on. This ‘Pass it On’ principle not only builds stronger communities, it allows us to help even more people to develop skills, confidence and self respect. People are happier and healthier, children are educated, homes are improved and communities are more harmonious. Send a Cow doesn’t offer a quick fix solution to rural development. In for the long haul, they typically work with groups for five years to effect substantial and sustainable change. They also acknowledge from the outset that issues such as gender equality, health and family harmony are just as vital to the success of development programmes in Africa as simple livestock provision.
So in addition to ongoing training in animal wellbeing, sustainable organic farming practices and natural resource management, Send a Cow's work also provides courses in subjects such as gender equality, conflict resolution, health and hygiene and HIV/AIDS awareness. This balance of practical farming skills with social, life skills is a potent mix and produces remarkable results.
What did Bristol Sundown Rotary Club do to support Send a Cow? Our first event in February in 2010, a quiz night raised over £1700. Raffle prizes were generously donated by local companies. Our fantastic quiz master for the evening was Rotarian Neil Gilbert who kept over 100 people in good order! In June 2010, Bristol Sundown entered the annual Bristol Dragon Boat Race putting in a joint team with Send a Cow - naturally we were dressed as cows. Have a look at our gallery for pictures of the event.
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