Hawkesbury Hay Runners doing their bit for struggling farmers

Dan Naethuys and his mate Josh Stephenson wanted to do something for the struggling farmers in western NSW and they were adamant that any funds or goods raised must went directly to those in need.

They decided to form their own charity organisation, Hawkesbury Hay Runners.

The fellas have been overwhelmed by the response.

“Born and bred in the Hawkesbury we have a passion and love for the bush and our farmers,” said Mr Naethuys on the official charity Facebook page.

“We are calling for our local community to spare a penny or two and help save the backbone of our country.

“With a $50,000 goal we need your help to get us out to western NSW. The funds will all be going to stock feed, fuel for our trucks, drinking water and other basic essentials we plan to donate to those farmers in need with our time given for free.”

Dan said many had already donated to the cause, including RAND Logistics, which donated 24 pallets of packaged food to be broken down into food hampers.

“Its definitely going to help us make a difference,” said Dan.

The group is calling for donations of cash, non perishable foods and toiletries.

To help generate funds the group has stubbie holders [$10] and car bumper stickers [$5] for sale and they are placing collection tins at businesses around the area.

Collection points are in Glossodia, Windsor [Windsor Rural Supplies] and Richmond [Suppworx].

Direct cash donations can be made via direct deposits to: Account name – Hawkesbury Hay Runners Inc; BSB – 032274; Account number – 443980; Charity registration number – INC1801172.

"Drought affects the entire community including young children,” said Dan. “They enjoy far less family time with their parents as they are out in the paddocks simply trying to keep their livestock alive. Being a farmer, especially in drought striken times, is not a 9-5 job. Please help us help them."

For more details visit: hawkesburyhayrunners.com.au or facebook.com/hawkesburyhayrunners.