Drought Appeal Reaches Those Who Need Help Most

The first of the donations collected in the Lifeline Drought Appeal have been debited to the accounts of farmers in Western Queensland needing assistance. Since the appeal started four weeks ago, Lifeline Darling Downs and South West Queensland Limited have received over $50,000 in donations

“While donations have been strong we have been flooded with applications with many families struggling to provide basic services” said Lifeline CEO Derek Tuffield. “One family describes with all funds going to providing water and feed to live stock, they are struggling to put food on their table. Their children’s future is suffering because they study through distance education and the internet has been disconnected. This is just one example.”

Derek went on to say “There are many graziers who were running well over 200 breeders two years ago and struggling to keep 30 alive today. Some rain last week heightened spirits but it was patchy and certainly was not drought breaking,”
While funds donated have been able to help some families there are many more who are on the waiting list. For this reason we are still asking the people of Australia to put their support behind the Lifeline Drought Appeal 2014.

Lifeline needs to assist the mums, the dads and the families. Donations will ensure that Lifeline help to:

· keep electricity and gas connected;
· ensure there is food on the kitchen table; and
· give them fuel to get to town for personal needs.”

As well as this, Lifeline’s goal is to help keep spirits high by providing counselling and emotional support where possible and through the success of this appeal.

Can you help us help our farmers and their families?

Donations can be made online at www.lifelinedarlingdowns.org.au by credit card or post to Lifeline PO Box 2119, Toowoomba Qld 4350. All donations over $2 are tax-deductible. For more information on the appeal please phone 1300 991 443 or email droughtappeal@lifelinedarlingdowns.org.au.

Submitted by:
Suzie Washington
Manager Marketing and Fundraising
Lifeline Darling Downs & South West Queensland Ltd
Ph 07 4699 1682