Many people in the Northern Rivers district are wondering if there is to be something organised in the way of drought relief this year, as many of our farmers are suffering the worst drought in living memory.
The answer is ‘Yes’ there is something we can do, even if it’s only to let them know we care and they are not forgotten.
The indomitable Anne Thompson, who has been organising drought relief for inland farmers for the last 24 years says, ‘although it’s too early for Christmas hampers and too late to organise Christmas in July, nevertheless hampers would be gratefully received’.
‘It is often said that we should not send goods as it deprives the local shops; however from my experience, the “local shops” are usually a couple of hours drive away and are invariably large multi-national owned super-markets!’
We can’t all afford to donate money, but most of us can find items in our cupboards that we can well do without. Please start putting non-perishable food items aside; ie canned, bottled, packaged goods, as well as toiletries, toothpaste and laundry products, dog biscuits etc. and spread the word.
Drop-off places:
Anglican Church Op-Shop Byron Bay
Ray Towers Carpets, Mullumbimby
CWA Rooms, Bangalow
Newrybar Produce Store
Wallace’s, River Street, Ballina
Lismore Showground Office (9- 5 week days)
Century 21 Real Estate, Alstonville
Feather & Stone Beauty Bar, Kyogle
Eric Box Mitsubishi, Casino
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
