Boorowa couple Darrell and Robyn Armour know better than most about the devastating effects the drought can have upon farmers, their families, their livestock and the land.
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That’s why they have decided to try and help.
The pair have started their own Doing It For Our Farmers donation drive here in Boorowa, where a group of volunteers based in Tamworth pick up donations of non-perishable food, toiletries and other household items and deliver them to the farmers who are most in need.
“The plight of our farmers in this current drought is starting a ground swell of support locally and across the nation,” Darrell said.
“It's a viscous circle that in many cases is taking its toll on farmers, their families and the flow on effect to their local communities.”
The Armour’s were forced to sell their property at Rye Park in 2007 due to five years of continued dry.
Robyn says one of the small things of significance that touched their hearts during that time was the arrival of basket hampers of household items that were delivered by the Salvation Army Rural Chaplin.
“With that in mind, we would like to ask our community to support a donation drive that will deliver household items, nonperishable foods and personal hygiene items to the farm families,” she said.
Darrell says there are two places residents can drop off their donations.
“IGA and Caltex Servo have kindly offered their shops as collection centres,” he said.
“So when you are at the shops, simply buy a few extra items and drop in the collection boxes.
“Remember to shop locally because it is those businesses that support our community… we are keeping our money in our town where possible.”
Donations of cash will also be accepted but only at the Caltex Service Station. Please note that any cash donations will be used to purchase items from local shops to add to the collection.
There are also brief lists of suitable items at the collection places and various places around town,
“This list is a guide only, as long as it is nonperishable, remember we are targeting families, parents and children, the everyday items we use and often take for granted, things we think we can't survive without,” Darrell said.
“Please be generous, it may not be us yet but rest assured there will be a next time. In the meantime, when you meet your farmer friends, ask them are you okay? It may make a bad day better or even save their life.”
