While the Northern Rivers is technically in drought, Bangalow still has green paddocks and the town’s burghers have decided to take some of their generosity out west.
Chamber president Jo Millar says that rather than scatter the town’s charity to different places, ‘we thought Bangalow should adopt another town, Bingara (5.15 hours south-west of us). This way we can apply all our efforts to supporting one farming community, in an ongoing basis’.
‘Initially this will consist of a convoy heading west to Bingara on this coming Sunday.
‘We envisage a convoy of two trucks, and a number of smaller 4wd/vans with trailers and floats to fill. Anyone in the local community happy to pay for their own fuel and accommodation is welcome to join us.’ The group will not only deliver much needed assistance stay in the town, supporting the local businesses by their visit there.
The Bangalow Lions club are working with us on this initiative and will be responsible for distributing money to the families in need in Bingara and surrounds.
Fundraising
‘The Bangalow Chamber of Commerce has set up an account for this fundraising,’ Ms Millar said..
‘We would like to continue this relationship for at least the next six to 12 months. We believe regular animal feed convoys, and cash donations are needed, along with community spirit measures.
‘Bangalow Public School are currently having all classes write letters of encouragement to farmers, which we will deliver in our convoy to the town to be despatched to farmers.’
The group will conduct a Christmas present drive in early December to donate to Bingara.
They have also invited Bangalow residents in October to a jazz by the river evening with farmers and anyone who wishes to travel out, to mingle our communities in an uplifting event.
‘It’s another opportunity for our community to spend money in theirs as well.,’ Ms Millar said.
Other initiatives include Sparrow Coffee giving 50 cents from every coffee served on Tuesday, August 21, and donation tins being placed in shops all over Bangalow.
‘We would really love to pull together as many of the charitable hearts currently starting fundraising in Bangalow, into one big push to help as many families in Bingara area as we can. If we have the Chamber of Commerce and the Lions Club working together we can achieve big things. Our goal is $40k raised in the next month. We have already raised more than $5k in the last week, without really advertising this,’ Ms Millar said.
How you can help
- Please like our Facebook page Bangalow Adopts Bingara, also share it far and wide.
- Donate to Bangalow Chamber of Commerce Fundraiser: BSB 728728 Account 22321405
- We need people who can rattle donation tins at ‘the farm’ on THIS Saturday and Sunday, for 2 hour time slots. Starting at 8.00am until 2.00pm. Please text me on my mob if you can help 0416266536
- Also last but not least…
- We have been approached by a beekeeper in Bingara who needs bee sites along the coast near forrest. The bees are also really suffering, he needs property where trees are flowering. There are 4 truckloads of hives. Please ask around.
