07 Sep Record Number of George the Farmer Books Donated for National Book Week
Record Number of George the Farmer Books Donated for National Book Week
During National Book Week, Rabobank’s Rabo Community Fund, in collaboration with the popular ‘edu-tainment’ brand George the Farmer, donated a record 70 book packs to educational institutions across Australia. These packs, featuring all 13 George the Farmer picture storybooks, were sent to primary schools, kindergartens, and early learning centres, helping children from both rural and urban areas engage with farming and food production in an entertaining way.
In 2021, the bank launched the Rabo Community Fund in Australia and New Zealand to invest in the sustainability and vitality of rural communities.
Rabobank’s head of community engagement, Glenn Wealands, said the initiative has been highly successful, with over 450 applications this year alone. “This shows how eager children are to learn about where their food and fibre come from, particularly in a way that captures their imagination,” he said. The book packs were distributed to institutions from Charleville in Queensland to Perth, bridging the gap between urban and rural learning.
Finn Olm from Brigalow, NSW celebrating Book Week
George the Farmer founder, Simone Kain, created the brand to educate children about farming through relatable stories. “Knowing that these characters inspire a love of reading while teaching children about food production is incredibly rewarding,” she said. The initiative has educated over 600,000 kids to date, emphasizing the importance of teaching children—especially those in cities—about the origins of their food.
“The right book can make learning come alive,” Kain noted, explaining that connecting children with their environment through stories can kickstart their entire educational journey.
As Wealands explained, George the Farmer’s mission to connect children with the earth and farming aligns perfectly with Rabobank’s goal of strengthening urban-rural connections, promoting sustainability, and supporting rural communities.
Main Image: Georgia Jericho from Barmera, South Australia, enjoying Book Week.
