Farmers spot golden goat opportunity for fundraiser

Mandy and Peter Girard hope to raise £1,500 for Autism Guernsey to bid on their current resident fibreglass goat, Daisy, painted by their children, grandchildren and farm volunteers.

Daisy forms part of a 52-strong Golden Goat Trail dotted around the island, which will be auctioned in September with proceeds going to the charity and the Guernsey Adult Literacy Project.

She has probably been feeling at home, as the Girards rear golden Guernsey goats at their St Peter’s home and have recently been welcoming new kids to their herd.

‘We’d like to keep Daisy if we can,’ Mrs Girard said.

Should the farm’s bid be unsuccessful the amount will be donated to the charity regardless.

‘If we don’t get it, it doesn’t matter. It would just be nice to and we’re still raising money for Autism Guernsey either way. Having Daisy here would be good for tourists as an extra attraction, and children love them.’

Originally they planned to bid on the fibreglass goat independently, but without tourists since Covid they are no longer in a position to.

‘Usually we do a lot of tours on the farm for tourists, and hotels supply our cheeses when they’re staying there.’

Autism Guernsey aims to raise £50,000 from the sale of 52 goats, so the target was set at £1,500 for Daisy.

‘I don’t know how much they go for but that seemed about right. We might put a bit extra in if we can.’

Roughly 10% has been raised so far.

‘We weren’t just going to ask for donations, and thought people should get something out of it if they do donate, so offered prizes,’ Mrs Girard said.

First prize is a private farm tour for up to six people, including a meet and greet of the 24 adult goats and 22 babies and milking opportunity.

‘There’s a whole load more due to be born in June, with another five girls pregnant,’ Mrs Girard said.

‘We had our first set of quads this year and all survived, from the first goat that kidded from our set that was artificially inseminated three years ago, which is great to continue the line.’

Second prize is a cheese selection or voucher worth £25, and third a soft toy goat.

The farm started when Mr Girard was sent out to purchase goat milk and came back with a goat.

• To donate visit: gofundme.com/f/daisy-the-goat-for-autism-guernsey.

• Visit www.goldenguernseygoattrail.co.uk for more information on the competition trial, and have a chance to win an iPad or Samsung Galaxy A40 phone.