The Shear4U event held in mid-January that involved four men hitting the handpiece for a gruelling 24 hours has now raised more than $100,000 for charity.
Cheered on by around 500 spectators at the Spring Valley woolshed, the shearing team made up of Dan Billing, Will Billing, Mark Buick, and Nick Balfour got through 6963 sheep, with their efforts inspiring donations that total $100,762.84.
The money raised will be split between Gumboot Friday, Farmstrong and Rural Support Trust Wairarapa.
The charities are personal to the shearers, who have witnessed the mental hardships experienced by friends and family in the farming industry.
“It is an honour” to be supported by the shear team, sponsors and donors, Rural Support Trust said in a statement.
“The final tally of over $100,000 blew us away.
“It was equally as special to be able to witness Shear4U and see how much effort went in behind the scenes to organise an event with so many logistical aspects.
“It was such a great display of community spirit and resilience, and the funds raised will help us continue to do what we do to support our rural communities.”
Last year Shear4U raised $128,000 that was split between the Breast Cancer Foundation, Rural Support Trust, and men’s mental health charity #Hear4U, bringing the total raised by the charitable shearing team over the past two years to $228,000.
