Each year the Agfest committee chooses a charity to support with funds raised from the event. The selected charity is given a site at the front gate on Main Street and is referred to as the event’s official charity.

This year Agfest also pledged 50c from each ATM transaction over the three field days to give to the Leukaemia Foundation. The ATM transaction total came to $1190.

In addition, several Agfest committee members entered the World’s Greatest Shave and raised more than $1700 by shaving or colouring their hair.

Leukaemia Foundation’s Kate McGough said being the Agfest official charity had many benefits.

“You can’t put a financial figure on the value of more than 60,000 patrons walking past your promotional display,” she said.

The additional $1190 will be used to help the Leukaemia Foundation support its patients. The funds could cover up to 10 trips in the foundation’s transport vehicle to and from treatment.

It could also supply two weeks worth of accommodation to a regional family in one of their apartments or provide 40 information packs for newly diagnosed patients and their families.

Agfest chairman Kate Birch said being the Agfest official charity often meant a longer relationship with Agfest committee members.

“They value the relationship and relate to the cause – they have been touched by this illness in some way that drives them to stay connect them,” she said.

Applications are now open for the official charity for next year’s Agfest, on May 3-5.