Friends of RSABI launches with goal to inspire more people and farming businesses
16th February 2025
A decade after RSABI first launched its Supporters’ Scheme, the charity is announcing exciting plans which will see the scheme rebranded as ‘Friends of RSABI’.
The charity, which is dedicated to helping people in Scottish agriculture, has set an ambitious target of reaching 1,000 supporters in the coming year as it seeks to underpin income to meet increasing demand for the services it offers.
The move marks an exciting new chapter for the charity, which currently has over 750 individual, business, and corporate supporters. With the fresh new look and feel behind Friends of RSABI, the charity hopes to inspire more individuals and businesses to join its growing community and contribute to its vital work.
As part of the launch of Friends of RSABI, fundraising executive Margo Wills visited her very first business supporter, Sam Mercer of Hamilton Ross Group. Mr Mercer joined the Supporter Scheme back in 2016 and is delighted to continue his support as a Friend of RSABI.
Ms Wills said: “The rebrand to Friends of RSABI reflects the incredible community spirit of our supporters and the vital role they play in helping us support people involved in Scottish agriculture. We’re setting an ambitious target of reaching 1,000 Friends this year, and we’re confident we can achieve this with the continued generosity and enthusiasm of supporters like Sam.”
‘Meaningful difference in Scottish agriculture’
Mr Mercer described the work RSABI does to help those in need as “truly exceptional”.
He added: “I’m proud to be part of this remarkable support network. As a Friend of RSABI, I’m excited to see the community grow even stronger and continue making a meaningful difference in Scottish agriculture.”
The Supporters’ Scheme, launched in 2014, has been a cornerstone of RSABI’s fundraising efforts, enabling the charity to deliver vital support to those in need. Current supporters will automatically transfer to Friends of RSABI and all Friends will be eligible for a 10% discount on purchases from the RSABI online shop. Additional benefits will be announced in the following months.
By becoming a Friend of RSABI, supporters directly contribute to the charity’s work, which includes financial assistance, emotional support, and practical guidance for people in Scottish agriculture.
This includes free, confidential counselling, delivered quickly after the initial enquiry, and a 24/7 support service, available by calling 0808 1234 555 (calls will not show up on phone bills) or through a confidential web-chat at www.rsabi.org.uk.
As organisations consider their charity partnerships for 2025, RSABI is encouraging companies to become Corporate Friends of RSABI. In addition to funding the charity’s vital work, Corporate Friends receive brand visibility and access to valuable networking opportunities, including corporate fundraising events, providing businesses with fun and engaging ways to get involved.
RSABI’s head of fundraising, Pauline Macmillan, said: “With the support of our growing community, we can make a meaningful difference to those in need. As we move into a very busy year of helping people in Scottish agriculture, we’re calling on individuals, businesses, and corporate partners to help us reach our goal of 1,000 Friends of RSABI this year.”
To become a Friend of RSABI or learn more about how your support can help, visit the charity’s website or email friends@rsabi.org.uk
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