MORE than $40,00 has been distributed to drought stricken communities in two states, as a result of a fundraiser held in Bendigo last November.
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Artist Terry Jarvis and his partner Michelle Kent put together the "Life on the Land - our Farming Heroes" exhibition in the iconic Bendigo Town Hall, with all funds going to Rotary.
The major donation of $20,000.00 was made by Gulf Horizons Foundation, in conjunction with Flashmarket and EyeCandy Motorsports, along with the support of other local donors including Fosterville Gold Mine and the City of Greater Bendigo.
Students from Strathfieldsaye Primary School held their own fund-raising event and donated all funds to Life on the Land.
Some of the funds raised were sent to Rotary Clubs of Mildura supporting the Millewa/Werrimul drought affected district, where $200 food vouchers were provided to farming families. They also distributed hygiene products to school children, including a voucher for new shoes.
Garry Kippell, Assistant District Governor for Rotary in Sunraysia said, "We cannot express the appreciation for the farming families, but can assure you your support will be invaluable to them all."
The East Loddon Foodshare Program team based at Dingee produced 217 grocery hampers with groceries purchased locally at the Lockington Foodworks, from funds provided by this project.
These hampers were distributed to local CFA brigades and Salvos for distribution to families in need.
East Loddon Foodshare program president Leanne Welsh, said it broke her heart to see the devastation caused by this drought.
"I love that we can do something to help. Together, we can make a difference."
The largest distribution of $20,000.00 went to the Rotary Club of Cobar and was used to fund a truck load of hay for distribution to farmers in the Central NSW area.
With this funding the Rotary Club of Cobar was also able to secure further funds from Rotary Australia World Community Service (RAWCS) and a second truckload of hay was organised.
The hay was sourced from farming communities in western Victoria.
Further funds have been allocated to community groups servicing Northern Victoria and Southern NSW including a second round of funding to East Loddon Foodshare.
Project manager Brian Figg said recognising the commitment of local groups who are in touch with their communities was paramount in getting the funds to where they make the most difference.
"The Rotary Club of Bendigo acknowledges the foresight of Terry Jarvis and Michelle Kent in holding the "Life on the Land - our Farming Heroes" exhibition in November 2019.
"We can assure these very generous community members and organisations that supported the exhibition and that their donations have been well received."