Battling the Drought – How You Can Support Our Farmers

By: Clare Bruce

With Aussie farmers facing one of the worst droughts in our history, listeners have been asking how they can make a difference.

We’d love you to support one of the many appeals of established charity and church-based organisations.

As believers we also know our prayers make a difference, and encourage you to spend time praying – for a break in the drought, and for practical and emotional help to reach those in need.

Drought Appeals You Can Support

Salvation Army – Rural Chaplains

The Salvation Army’s Rural Chaplains help farmers and rural workers in need. Funds raised will go towards emergency assistance, farming supplies, bills, household needs, as emotional and spiritual support. The Salvation Army is an internationally trusted Christian welfare agency.

Give to the Salvation Army Rural Chaplains

Red Cross – Disaster Relief Drought Appeal

Funds raised through the Red Cross Drought Appeal will help those affected by the drought with their household expenses, health and well-being needs, and social, health and educational activities. Funds are distributed by partner agencies who work with at-risk individuals and families. 100 per cent of funds will help farming communities.

Give to the Red Cross Drought Appeal

Anglican Aid 

Anglican Aid is the relief and aid agency of the Anglican Church of Australia. Their Drought appeal will help rural churches in north and western NSW, and southern QLD to support their local communities with vouchers, visitation, community dinners, free labour, stock feed and more.

Give to Anglican Aid’s Drought Appeal

Drought Angels

Drought Angels is a registered charity offering personalised support to farming families in Australia affected by droughts, floods and fires. They help with stock feed, household and financial assistance, emotional help, and referrals to other support networks.

Give to Drought Angels

Buy a Bale Drive

The Buy a Bale appeal raises funds that will go straight into water, hay bales and feed for sheep and cattle, fuel to transport it, and grocery hampers for families purchased through local supermarkets. Buy a Bale is an initiative of the charity Rural Aid Australia.

Support the Buy A Bale Campaign

Rural Aid Australia – Drought Appeal

Rural Aid Australia is a charity dedicated to helping farmers who suffer due to natural disasters. Funds will support their mental health counselling program, and other initiatives. All donations over $2 are tax deductible. (Rural Aid Australia are also the founders of Buy a Bale and Holiday Hosts 4 Farmers.)

Give to the Rural Aid Australia Appeal

Vinnies – NSW Drought Appeal

The St Vincent de Paul Society in Australia, or ‘Vinnnies’, is a welfare agency of the Catholic Church with over 60,000 members and volunteers helping people in need across Australia. Its NSW Drought Appeal will help support farmers with food and emergency bills assistance, health-focussed community events, stock feed and more.

Give to the Vinnies NSW Drought Appeal

Holiday Hosts 4 Farmers

The Holiday Hosts 4 Farmers appeal is also an initiative of Rural Aid Australia. Through this appeal, owners of properties in holiday locations can offer the use of their property for free, so that a farmer or family doing it tough can have a much-needed break.

Offer a Farmer a Holiday

Article supplied with thanks to Hope Media.

About the Author: Clare Bruce is a digital journalist for the broadcast industry.