Pick a box for a purpose

Every dollar raised from the initiative will be matched by Kagome and donated to ERH’s primary mental health care program this year.

General manager field operations Chris Taylor said the event was an important day for Kagome, ERH and the community, as it funded the local mental health sector.

“We are proud that these funds can help anyone and everyone through their times of need,” he said.

“Particularly in a farming community, we all have bad days, but some are worse than others. The team at ERH offer safe and professional help.”

Close to $38,000 has been raised from past events, with $3840 raised from last year’s event at Parncutts Farm.

Public relations officer Sarah Crossman thanked Kagome on behalf of the hospital for its continued support and generosity.

“ERH appreciates Kagome’s support in helping to make a difference and enhancing the mental health and wellbeing of our community,” she said.

Hundreds of people are expected to attend the event at O’Brien’s Farm, where 88ha of tomatoes are waiting to be picked.

Mr Taylor said it was a family-friendly day, and a good opportunity to show kids the life cycle of a tomato from seed to sauce.

Tomato harvest season kicked off in late January for Kagome, where 90 to 100 trucks have come across the Echuca factory’s weighbridge per day.

The company processes between 3600 and 3800 tonnes of product per day, and expects to process 175,000 tonnes by the first week of April.

“Something that I am very proud of is that 95 per cent of the tomato products we process are for the Australian domestic market,” Mr Taylor said.

“I encourage all consumers to support Australian grown.”

This year’s Pick-A-Box will be held on Saturday, February 22 at O’Brien’s Farm on Pannoo Rd in Lockington from 9am to noon.

Signage will be placed on Kotta Rd and Singer Rd to guide attendees to the location.