WITH drought conditions continuing to take hold across the region, many farmers are making financial sacrifices to help keep themselves going.
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Many farming families have been going without, sparking countless donation drives for items such as fodder, water and household goods.
As high school formal season approaches, one local is doing her bit to help give farming families access to donated formal wear.
Amy Sewell began her drive for donated formal dresses, suits and shoes on Facebook last week and has already received several donations.
“With so many farmers right around our area busy every day feeding their stock there often isn’t enough time or money to go shopping for formal wear,” Ms Sewell said.
“Just today [Tuesday], I have collected five formal dresses donated by people looking to help.
“Given things like high school formals and weddings will be coming up in the next few months, this seemed like something I could help put together to give people doing it tough one less thing to worry about.”
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Ms Sewell said she was surprised how far reaching the appeal for donations was.
“So far, there has been a lot of interest from coastal areas of NSW and even as far away as Western Australia,” she said.
“I think it shows that your average Australian, regardless of where they come from, really cares about what our farmers are going through.
“It is just a small way for all of us to say thank you and we care.”
The disability support worker said the drive for more donations would be on going.
“At this stage I’m not too sure how we will go about getting the donations to things like schools, but I am currently in discussions with schools in Tamworth, Gunnedah and Quirindi, and hopefully we can organise a day at each school for students to come and take a look,” Ms Sewell said.
“In terms of how long the campaign will run for, I guess given that most school formals and things are later this year, I would say very late this year or until the drought breaks."
Ms Sewell said donations would always be welcome.
“A donation doesn’t have to be for a high school formal or for a teenager,” she said.
“We want to give all of our farmers who would be in need of some formal wear something, so any donations will always be welcome.
“In terms of donation points, we are currently confirming a donation point in Manilla and I will also be happy to travel to collect.”
For more information visit the Formal For Farmers Facebook page.
Billy Jupp
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
