Emergency services have joined in running a food drive to make Christmas brighter for farmers in their struggle with the drought.
A collection point has been established in Sutherland Shire for the Feed a Farmer initiative.
Donations of food and other necessities can be dropped off at the shire headquarters of the State Emergency Service (SES) and Rural Fire Service (RFS) at 126 Wilson Parade, Heathcote.
The Feed a Farmer drive was launched on Friday by Minister for Police and Emergency Services Troy Grant with representatives from the police, Fire and Rescue NSW, RFS and SES.
The agencies have joined with Foodbank NSW/ACT to spearhead the drive, which will be calling on donations across the state over the next two months.
Collection points have been established at 24 regional and metropolitan locations.
Mr Grant said Feed a Farmer was a wonderful example of mates helping mates across NSW, and would hopefully come as some small relief for those doing it tough during the drought.
“Our farmers are the backbone of our community, and have been battling terrible drought conditions for months now, with many choosing to feed their stock first before putting food on their own tables,” he said.
“This drive is about getting behind them to show our support – and that’s just the Aussie way, when people are doing it tough in our community, we all pitch in to lend a helping hand.
“I’m also very proud to see our emergency services joining forces to support this important cause. Remember, any donation, large or small can make a big difference.”
Farmer Blair Briggs said at the launch, “So many farmers are having a really tough go of things at the moment, with almost the entire state affected by the drought”.
“We’re all doing what we can to make ends meet, but it’s really nice to know the community are behind us, and I’m happy that I can help get the word out for people to get involved,” he said.
Collections, which can be made during business hours from Monday to Friday, will run until Tuesday, December 4,