Two Irish charities, Irish Community Air Ambulance and Embrace FARM, have teamed up to launch the Farm Family Draw.
The partnership aims to ensure that farm families receive the support they require when they need it most, during and after serious incidents.
All funds raised as part of the monthly membership draw will be split evenly between the two charities. The top prize is €1,000 each month.
The two organisations offer support to Irish farmers and their families in different but equally important ways.
The Farm Family Draw
The Irish Community Air Ambulance is often tasked to farm accidents and medical emergencies in rural areas.
It provides emergency, prehospital care and brings patients to the hospital that best meets their needs.
Embrace FARM supports farm families grieving the loss of a loved one or rehabilitating with a serious injury from a farm accident.
The Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) works in partnership with the National Ambulance Service. It is ready to respond to serious incidents and medical emergencies from its base in Rathcoole in North Cork seven days a week.
Micheál Sheridan, the Irish Community Air Ambulance CEO, said: “We’ve been tasked with the most serious incidents on Irish farms since we launched in 2019.”
“We’ve seen a lot of PTO and other machinery-related accidents, falls from height and animal attacks.”
“We aim to bring hope in emergency situations, but we can’t forget about the aftermath either. Families are left picking up the pieces, having to get on with farming if they have lost a loved one or suffered a life-changing injury.”
“We recognise and appreciate the role Embrace FARM is playing. We are delighted to partner with them for the Farm Family Draw.”
“It costs around €2 million a year to run our organisation. By supporting this draw, you’re helping us to stay in the skies and keeping our critical care cars and rapid response vehicles on the road.”
Embrace FARM
Brian and Norma Rohan, Shanahoe, Co. Laois established Embrace FARM in 2014.
Following the death of Brian’s father Liam on their family farm in 2012, they felt no support could ease the pain families such as theirs were experiencing.
They began by holding an ecumenical remembrance service with over 600 people attending in its first year.
The charity responds to both practical and emotional questions people suffering after a farm accident may have. Its mission is to grow and sustain a support network for those affected by farm accidents.
Air ambulance services, bereavement and farm survivor support
Norma Rohan explained: “In a lot of instances, families feel like they are the only ones who have gone through this trauma on their farm.”
“We bring families together so that we can support each other through that journey.”
“Our services at the moment are peer-to-peer support, listening services and providing connections. However, we want to expand to provide practical support to families, and the Farm Family Draw will help us to do that.”
“When you support the Farm Family Draw, all money goes to both of our charities. We are not using an outside agent.”
“The funds are split evenly between Irish Community Air Ambulance and Embrace FARM to provide HEMS Air Ambulance services, bereavement and farm survivor support.”
How you can support
Membership of the Farm Family Draw is €10 per month. You can pay on a monthly, bi-annual or annual subscription.
For more information, visit farmfamilydraw.ie or call 021 4190 999. The draw will take place on the 8th of each month.
First prize is €1,000 and the second prize is €100. Organisers will notify winners by email and text and will publish on social media.
