In a break from its rules of giving only to local good causes and charities, the Ellingham and Ringwood Agricultural Society has pledged a £5,000.00 donation to Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal to support the people of Ukraine.
Society Chairman Steve Thompson said, “We have a long tradition of giving to local good causes and charities – more than £150,000 over the last ten years. We have every intention of continuing to do more of this after our 2022 show on 13th August at Somerley Park, near Ringwood. But like everyone else, our Trustees have watched with horror the unfolding tragedy in Ukraine – and feel we must draw on our reserves and do something to help.
An extraordinary motion has been approved by our Annual General Meeting that the Society makes a one-off variation in its charitable giving policy. We have always been non-political in all our activities and will remain so. But these are unprecedented times in our lifetime. We are confident that our members and supporters will endorse this decision.”
