As the devastating bushfires continue to rage around Australia, Hunter Valley farm Bhima Thoroughbreds is bringing generous Australian spirit to the sale ring by pledging to donate $250 for every $100,000 in yearling sales in the 2020 season to the Rural Fire Service.
Bhima’s Mike and Kate Fleming decided to make the generous gesture after being struck by the incredible selfless acts shown by local volunteer firefighters over the past six weeks, with several tragically losing their lives.
“Along with the rest of the country, we have been shocked and overwhelmed by the current bushfire tragedy unfolding in rural Australia,” Mike told TDN AusNZ. “The Rural Fire Service relies on local heroes to risk their lives for us, our homes and our farms, so it seems like a small act we can do to repay their extreme generosity.”
Bhima Thoroughbreds sold $14 million in yearlings in 2019, a similar result in 2020 would see $35,000 donated to the Rural Fire Service. Mike is also encouraging other breeders and sales companies to join the campaign.
“It would be great if we as a breeding industry could all rally around in support of our local fire service,” said Mike. “We’re a strong community that bands together in a crisis, so it would be lovely to see a great team effort at Magic Millions and carry that through the sales season.”
