The generosity of the Port Stephens community has hit an all time high with countless charity and fundraising efforts in support of drought-stricken farmers across NSW and the Hunter.
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And despite some light rain relief in recent days, unfortunately most of the regions in dire need missed out and the message from organisers is that “our farmers are still doing it tough”.
Anna Bay’s Delma and Ken Chapman, who have just returned from transporting their sixth car load of supplies to families in Denman, said that farmers are desperate for follow up rain.
“The rain is needed to re-establish both their stock and their crops,” Mrs Chapman said.
“We have now delivered six car boot, back seat and trailer loads of food hampers and toiletries to help farmers and their families in their daily lives.
“To all the generous and caring people who have donated non-perishable food and other items, our farmers say a big thank you.
“To the business people who donated gifts and acted as drop off points, pre-paid cash cards and to Coles at Tanilba Bay who matched the $500 donation and turned into $1,000, we also say a huge thank you.”
Mrs Chapman said people could continue to donate through registered charities such as Aussie Helpers, Buy A Bale and Drought Angels.
Elsewhere in Port Stephens, the staff and management at Tomago Aluminium have dug deep to raise an alarming $50,000 for the Buy A Bale campaign run by Rural Aid.
Tomago Aluminium CEO Matt Howell said the employee-led initiative was the biggest single donation of its kind for the organisation and reflected just how important the cause was to the workforce.
“The money was contributed through an out-of-pay donation scheme by employees and matched by the company dollar-for-dollar,” he said.
Meanwhile at Irrawang High School in Raymond Terrace, students, teachers and staff participated in a series of fundraising events for the month of August.
“Events included a cake stall, a MarketPlace Woolies sausage sizzle, and a ‘Parma for a Farmer’ burger day, all of which were incredibly well supported by our students,” community liaison officer Lue Fagan said.
“In addition, the entire school community donated boxes of non-perishable items.
“It has been an awesome month for our school which is well known for giving generously to good causes and the Buy A Bale program has been no exception.”
The school’s final fundraiser is a trivia night at Muree Golf Club on September 14.
Port pitching in to help with The Big Dry:
- Drought relief efforts flood in
- Power of social media in sharing drought message
- Terrace hay runner in Lions’ Need for Feed convoy
- Salamander Recycling Centre helps out drought affected Boorowa
- Marauders charity round raises $2800 for Food Way, $500 for farmers
- Medowie community raises $70,000 for drought
- Bay clubs band together for Farmers Relief Charity Weekend