Vinnies raising funds
St Vincent de Paul (Vinnies) is meeting the need by raising money for the affected farmers. Vinnies have met with farmers and seen first hand the devastation of the drought - for example, the farmer who had to shoot 1,200 sheep because he couldn’t afford to feed them any longer or families who have had to walk off their farms, even though that won’t stop overdue bills piling up.
Vinnies have also seen people overcoming incredible odds to keep their farms and their livelihoods going. Sometimes a hand-up has made all the difference.
What is the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle doing?
Catholic schools in the area have also been raising money for the farmers. A few examples are St Therese’s New Lambton and St Patrick’s Lochinvar raising funds for the Buy a Bale campaign.
CatholicCare Social Services Hunter-Manning has provided free mental health counselling to the region's drought-affected farmers and their families since February.
As a Catholic community we can join together and continue to find ways to support our farmers until the drought breaks. With your help, Vinnies can provide:
- immediate relief through food assistance and other household bill payments.
- fund the delivery of water and animal feed by partner organisations.
- organise social events for rural communities to come together and find support.
Donate online or by calling 13 18 12 today.
