A Kiwi Indian dairy farm worker and a renowned marathon runner has started a fundraiser drive on Givealittle intending to show support to farmers and thank them for their hard work.
Harjinder Chander Singh, resident of Outram, Dunedin has run in over seven marathons, more than half a dozen half marathons and several Ultra marathons in the last few years.
The campaign Harjinder is driving through participating in the three forms of races 'Thanks 2 Farmers' aims to raise $1000, and the proceeds will go through to the children of Outram Primary school.
What makes this campaign unique and, in the direction to support the farmers, is that Harjinder will complete three racing events in overalls and gumboots, the uniform of the farmers.
"Farmers wear overall and gumboots when working on fields; it's a tough job and needs long hours of dedication to produce and deliver for people to consume.
In a way to support the cause, I will be running in farmers' uniform so that it creates awareness and educates the community about the life and works of farmers, not just in NZ but all over the world," Harjinder told The Indian Weekender.
As a part of the drive, Harjinder has already completed the Three Peaks Ultra-26 km Mountain Race in Dunedin earlier in October, and Balclutha half-marathon on November 1 and will be participating in the third and final event, Queenstown International Marathon on November 21.
Harjinder ranked number in the Three Peaks Mountain Race and stood 20th overall and 3rd in senior men category (18-35yrs) in the Balclutha half-marathon completing the race in gumboots in 1 hour 49 mins and 18 seconds.
"Working on a dairy farm, I am aware of what challenges rural communities, and farmers face on an ongoing basis such as volatile weather, climate, debt & financing, and regulation & perception etc.
"Rural communities and farmers also have the highest suicide rate in the country," Harjinder added.
Harjinder has lived and worked in the farming industry for eight years now and has always strived to give back to the community through fundraisers and participating in marathon events in and around the country.
"Outram Primary School has 150 students from Year 1 to 8, and most of the students are from farming background, so I don't think any better way to say thanks to the farmers for bringing food to our table especially in this pandemic time.
Harjinder's overall is sponsored by a local internet company, who have also paid for his participation fee for the races and gumboots sponsored by another local firm in Dunedin.
Harjinder says he works 40-45 hours every week and runs at least 60 to 70 km every week depending on the weather.
An advocate of fitness and running, Harjinder aims to inspire his fellow Kiwi Indians, and young Kiwis living in New Zealand to pick running as an essential part of their life as it's the simplest form of exercise and keep both the body and mind fit.
To support Harjinder's campaign, click on 'Thanks 2 Farmers'
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