It’s time to help drought-stricken farmers
As Australia experiences severe drought, local woman Anne Thompson is organising another Christmas hamper relief appeal.
“It’s time to do something to show our farmers that we haven’t forgotten them. They are suffering the worst drought in living memory and, as was said (Friday 13th) in an a television interview, ‘it is incumbent on the nation’ to support our farmers through these difficult times,” she said.
“We here on the coast are enjoying the best spring season for years. It is hard to imagine the devastation and depression out west. Rural counsellors are flat out counselling these proud farming folk, who must be at their wits end, praying for rain.
“There is not much we can do to help, but receiving a Christmas hamper from folks on the coast means so much to them, as we know from many cards and letters of appreciation received over the years.”
Anne has organised this appeal many times in previous years, and is once again calling on the generosity of local people to donate packaged food to be made up into Christmas hampers.
“We only have to look in our own cupboards to find tins and packets and jars of food that we can well do without. But please, nothing past the use-by date or in rusty cans. Let’s not insult our farmers,” she said.
Suggested items: Tea, coffee, biscuits, pasta, rice, canned drinks, sauces, tinned vegetables, tinned fruit, tinned ham, salmon, Christmas cakes, lollies and puddings (no chocolate).
These items can be dropped off at the following places:
Jontom Car Sales - 77 Dawson St, Lismore.
Eric Box Mitsubishi - 182-186 Johnston St, Casino.
Ballina Tiles - 293 River St, Ballina.
Lennox Hire and Garden Supplies - Byron St, Lennox Head (next to Caltex)
Sticks & Stones, Bangalow (Readings Building).
Anne says more drop-off points would be appreciated in Evans Head, Byron Bay, Mullumbimby and Ocean Shores, and would also appreciate offers of help to pick up and pack the hampers at Eltham. Schools and church groups are encouraged to get involved, as Christmas is a time for giving.
All food needs to be collected or dropped off by Friday, December 8.
Anne Thompson can be contacted on 66 29 1041.
PICTURE: Anne Thompson with examples of the goods she hopes people will donate. Picture courtesy of GABRIELLE THOMPSON.
