IGA, in partnership with Drought Angels and St Vincent de Paul, is raising funds to support communities most impacted by the current droughts.
From this week until 29 December, shoppers will be able to purchase a $2 IGA Drought Appeal gift token from participating stores. IGA says it will donate all proceeds equally to Vinnies and Drought Angels, to distribute immediately to those in need.
Natasha Johnson, founder of Drought Angels says her charity is proud to partner with IGA whose stores are in many of the communities they support.
“Thanks to IGA customers we will be able to help not just one famer at a time, but whole communities and we cannot shout thank you loud enough,” she said.
Jack de Groot, CEO of Vinnies NSW urges Australians to support the initiative.
“Whether it’s food and clean water, medical supplies, help paying energy bills or school fees, maintenance to keep cars or farm equipment up and running, or veterinary care for animal stock – with your support we will be able to provide it,” he said.
“The current drought across Australia’s east is the worst on record, while many other areas of the country continue to experience severe drought conditions, with some communities even running out of drinking water. The need for support is as great as it’s ever been.”
Other support
IGA retailers across the country are said to be continually rolling out local initiatives to support drought impacted communities.
Rochelle Ashcroft, owner of Ashcroft’s IGA Orange, says the drought is “more dire” today than it was 12 months ago. She has witnessed, first-hand, the tough conditions the farmers in her area are facing.
“Our customers have rallied with us in the past to support them in many ways, from cash donations, delivering hay, donating food, toiletries and other necessities to help ease the burden,” she said.
“We are currently looking at ways we can support people in a town about an hour and a half away that has run out of water. The kids can’t shower or wash their clothes at home as there is no water, so they are coming to school to do these basic things that we take for granted. We need to back our farming families and support the people who provide all the great fresh produce in our stores.”
Besides purchasing the $2 IGA Drought Appeal gift token, customers can also post a message of support to those in drought affected areas using the hashtag #morethanrain.