A Woolooware man hopes to raise much-needed money for Australia's drought-affected farmers by taking part in a 24-hour rowing event.
Tim Davis has set up a GoFundMe page and hopes to raise $5000 for Aussie Helpers, a charity set up by Brian and Nerida Egan in 2002 to help drought-affected farmers like themselves. Mr Egan passed away earlier this month but the charity says it will continue his work.
Aussie Helpers delivers hay, stock feed and water for animals as well as food, toiletries and fuel vouchers to farmers, who also receive counselling and mental health support.
"[Aussie Helpers] is a fantastic organisation and offers so much support to our Australian Farmers, especially through one of the worst droughts the country," Mr Davis said.
"The biggest killer in rural areas is depression and suicide. The suicide rate for male farmers is almost 50 per cent higher than the average in rural Australia, [where] farmers are often working in isolation and can go days without seeing someone.
"The pressure of losing crops, drought, shifting weather patterns, rising costs and low profit can make it easy for farmers to feel a lack of hope and an acute fear for their future."
Mr Davis said he was astonished at news reports regarding how tough life was for Aussie farmers right now and he became inspired to act after hearing a radio interview with Mr Egan.
"I researched more about Aussie Helpers and the work they do for farmers, and decided that was the charity that I wanted to do a fundraiser for," Mr Davis said.
He came up with the idea of holding a 24-hour Row for a Farmer event, which will take place at Crossfit BodiComplete, Kirrawee, on Saturday, February 8, from noon.
Mr Davis will be joined for the 24-hour-event by his best mate Ash Nisbet, who will be on another rowing machine by his side.
He plans to row for up to three hours at a time, and will take 10-minute breaks where necessary to stretch, refuel and use the bathroom.
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