Over the past five decades, the annual Riversdale hay drive has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for community needs, including a new ambulance headquarters.
This money came from hay and baleage, donated by farmers and the local community, which was then auctioned off.
Since its inception in 1976, up to 50 people have attended each annual auction and prizegiving, held in the Andrews Transport shed each July.
The rural Lions Club, with about 35 members, is holding its 50th hay drive on Friday.
Proceeds will support youth and medical needs for the area, including Mandeville, Otama and Waikaia.
The events are a popular fundraiser in many southern rural communities.
Riversdale Lions president Scott Nicholson said the initiative had raised about $5000 a year in its early days.
In the past 20 years, it had raised four times that amount each year and was not stopping there.
"We’d love to raise more, and give more out, that’s what Lions is about," Mr Nicholson said.
The community had consistently supported the hay drive, with 170 to 220 bales of hay and baleage donated each year since the drive’s inception.
Riversdale Lions hay convener Rhys Houghton said he was grateful for the sustained support.
"If it wasn’t for the farmers and the local community businesses, it wouldn’t be where it is [today]," he said.
Businesses sponsored the event and supplied prizes for the best bales, which were judged by PGG Wrightson staff.
The fundraiser has supported young people representing Southland and New Zealand in sport, and has awarded university scholarships.
The initiative raised its greatest sum, about $22,000, to build Riversdale’s new Hato Hone St John ambulance building.
On Friday, judging of the best quality hay and baleage will start at 12.30pm, a prizegiving will be held at 3pm and an auction of the hay and baleage will kick off from 3.15pm. Trophies in each category will be also be awarded.
A barbecue will follow at the Riversdale Rugby Club.
The Balfour Lions Club and Waikaka Hockey club held their annual hay and baleage competitions last Friday.
The Balfour club has held its event since the early 1980s. Funds from last year’s competition went towards a new basketball court and the local pump track.
Last year’s Waikaka Hay Day was its 50th, and it continues to raise thousands for the community each year.
