Farm appeal launches fund raising pledge

A community farm in Bristol has launched a fund raising pledge to help generate urgently needed cash to keep it going.

Windmill Hill City Farm in Bedminster will close unless it can raise a target of £50,000.

It is hoped that money will be raised by people making a pledge of £25 if 500 other people promise to do the same.

When the total number of pledges reaches 500, then those who have signed up will donate their money and the farm will raise £12,500, a quarter of its appeal target.

The pledge currently has 173 members but will need to reach 500 by 31 October to turn the promises into cash.

From the Save Our Farm Fund-raising Team,  Carolyn Hecker said: “The great thing about the pledge is that you are not just donating £25 on your own – essentially YOUR pledge is worth £12,500 to the farm – as long as we reach our target of 500 pledgers by the deadline. We are excited that the pledge has got off to a good start but we need to keep up the rate of sign ups and make sure it reaches a total of 500 pledges, so we can really turn those promises into the funds vital for the farm’s survival. ”

The farm opened in 1976 and since then has become a vital community resource.

It offers a place for children to learn about farming, provides educational courses, childcare facilities, allotments and community groups.

As part of its fund raising, the farm will host art event ‘Aardman Down on the Farm’ on Saturday 24 October.

Bristol’s Oscar winning production company Aardman Animations will be helping children with their drawing, modelling and animation workshops.

Entry fee is £3 for adults, £2 for kids and under-3’s go free.

Information on how to join the pledge can be found at www.pledgebank.com/savewhcf or on the farm’s website www.windmillhillcityfarm.org.uk