Inverell Lions Club is calling for non-perishable food items and cash donations to assist local farmers and graziers around the shire throughout these desperate drought times.
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Members will be accepting donations this Sunday at the markets and have asked Inverell residents to support the idea by purchasing non-perishables locally.
Although Lions Club of Australia has contributed more than $1 million to drought relief already, the local branch want to do their part to help familiar faces around town.
Inverell Lion Philip, who has been part of the club for more than 25 years and organises the monthly markets, took the idea to the club on Monday, all agreeing to the proposal.
"We'd like to collect non-perishables and cash donations to distribute to local farmers and graziers. Items like UHT milk, cereals, canned food, food for pets- we have space to store non-perishables but we can't do perishables. If we get a good amount of cash donations, we'll be able to give cash vouchers which will help farmers with fresh products," he said.
If donations are strong on Sunday, Inverell Lions Club will take the idea further by potentially setting up regular drop areas for those who wish to continue supporting the cause.
The club will also arrange ways to distribute the goods once donations start flooding in. Philip said a few ideas were already in the mix.
"We have a club phone number so people are welcome to text with any questions or ideas. This is the first time the club has tried to do this and we'll expand the initiative if it works well."
As someone who has come off the land, Philip said the text-line was open to graizers and farmers who would like assistance.
"Being off the land, I fully understand. Had I still been on the land, this would have sent me broke. This drought is like no other."
For more information, or to get in contact with Philip text 0477 520 721.