As the drought took hold last year, Wauchope Rotary president, Reg Pierce registered a project with RAWCS (Rotary Australia World Community Service) which went on to raise an eye-watering $250,000.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
They were then given another $250,000 from the Channel 9 Telethon.
“That half a million dollars has all been distributed to farmers in great need through Rotary clubs in the drought-affected area,” explained Mr Pierce.
Before Christmas, the Federal government released $6.6m for drought relief. As chair of RAWCS D9650, Reg was invited to apply for funding and was successful in getting $1m.
The government decided that funding would be in two tranches of $600,000 and $400,000 respectively. The funds had to be allocated by gift cards. This week, Reg has been posting out cards which will bring the district’s total contribution to $1.5m.
“As I’m the talking head of this enterprise, it’s understandable that I’m patted on the back and praised, but the real praise and congratulations should go to all Rotarians in areas not affected by drought, and others who have worked very hard to go out and identify those in need, then collate that information on to databases etc,” he said.
“Those clubs not affected by drought rose to the occasion and raised very large sums of money in many and varied ways. This is what Rotary is all about. Through this great organisation, we are given the chance to do things for others that we couldn’t do by ourselves.
“Alone, I’m a panel beater from Commerce Street. In Rotary, I’m the chair of RAWCS, and I was given the opportunity to hand out $1.5m to our farming community. I’ll take that,” he said.
He says the farmers are very glad of the help.
“Some rang me in tears asking for help, and then rang me back with tears of gratitude. One woman said it would buy a lot of food and a lot of petrol,” he said.
“For a fair dinkum cause, Australians are extraordinarily generous. Someone donated $34,000; others gave what they could. It never ceases to amaze me. And the drought could continue for at least another two or three years.”