IT’S hard to believe given all the rain Ballarat has had recently that just a couple of hours north, all of New South Wales is officially in drought.
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And with farmers doing it extra tough, local community groups and schools are chipping in to help out.
Pupils at St Thomas More Primary School in Alfredton and St Francis Xavier Ballarat were among local schools who held a fundrasier on Friday.
`A Fiver for a Farmer’ was the idea of a Grade 4 student Jack at St John the Baptist in Freshwater New South Wales and has gone viral with schools and businesses all around the country getting ivovled.
Professionals Real Estate in Ballarat will also hold a fundraiser on Monday.
St Thomas More deputy principal Trish Caldow said the fundraiser was not only a day to raise money, but a day to teach children about the issues faced on the land.
“It looks like we’ve been able to raise about $2500, which is just a fantastic effort,” she said. “All the children have come dressed as farmers.
“The money will go to two groups, Rural Aid and Drought Angels.”
Meanwhile, the Cape Clear Hotel held a `Parma for a Farmer’ fundraiser earlier this week, raising $550.
More than 150 people attended the night with people from a host of towns including Werribee, Lismore, Ararat, Miner’s Rest, Dereel, Rokewood, Pitfield and Springdallah all making the trip.
Skipton Netball team also helped out with fundraising.
Along with raising funds through the sale of Parmas, other activities included a Rum Toss and Pick Up Line Competition which proved at times hilarious and at others rather cringeworthy.
Coordinator Elle Hilton said it was important for communities to come together to help others.
“It’s terrific to see so many people from a district that is primarily reliant on farming activities come together and donate generously to help others,” she said.
“Our locals are all too well aware of the perils of the weather and other factors that have such a huge impact on their livelihoods.
“In the big scheme of things its not a lot of money but if everyone does their part it will soon add up and get to those who are doing it so tough at the moment and desperately need our help.”
Another fundraiser will be a family day run by Avalon Nursery in Haddon on Sunday August 19.
The fundraiser will see 20 per cent of all sale of food will be donated to drought relief.
The family day will feature face painting, food and drinks, kids colouring, raffles, balloons and sale stock at 41 Kopkes Road Haddon.