Two Hawkesbury businesses are launching a community campaign to help drought-affected farmers feed their livestock and families.
Ray White Kurrajong and Ray White Windsor have got behind the ‘Buy a Bale’ campaign which provides hay and cash donations for farming families, principal of Ray White Kurrajong and Windsor Peter Chidgey said.
“Although we may see rain along the coast, the drought is affecting much of rural Australia,’’ he said.
‘‘Businesses, families and entire communities are being destroyed and we saw an opportunity to make a difference.
“We’re asking our local community to jump online and buy a bale of hay to help feed drought-affected livestock or make a donation to Farmer’s Card, to help farming families buy everyday essentials.’’
For as little as $20, a bale of hay can be bought to help feed struggling sheep and cattle.
“It’s a vicious cycle,’’ Mr Chidgey said. ‘‘A farmer can’t feed his stock and is forced to sell — at a loss. This leaves farmers with no income which not only devastates families but also affects local businesses who, in turn, aren’t able to keep afloat.
“Entire communities are shutting down because of the drought.’’
During the months of February, March and April Ray White Kurrajong and Windsor have promised to contribute five bales of hay for every property leased or sold. They have set a goal of raising more than 200 bales in total and are urging their fellow residents to get behind the campaign. “We can’t do it without the support of our community and we hope everyone feels as passionately about the campaign to help farmers as we do,” Mr Chidgey said.
To get involved visit buyabale.com.au/raywhite and make a donation, or drop into the Ray White offices Kurrajong at 1/1147 Grose Vale Road or Ray White Windsor at 136 George Street to find out more about the campaign.
