A crowd-funding campaign to raise $70,000 for fuel on the Burrumbuttock Hay Runners charity drive to Queensland passed the target with four days to spare.
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Dollar For Drought had almost $75,000 in pledges from about 2000 backers by 2pm yesterday.
“I just had a look and, yeah $70,000 with four days to go,” Burrumbuttock Hay Runners organiser Brendan Farrell posted on Thursday.
“A big pat on the back for Jack and the team at Dollar For Drought, all the supporters.”
Dollar For Drought was set up by Jack Neilson, a third generation cattleman from Boulia, in Central West Queensland. His family is among those hit by the worst drought in living memory.
“People say ‘Bumper you won’t get 170 trailers of hay into Queensland’, well I’ve done that, and Jack’s come on board and done that,” Mr Farrell said.
“We’ve got Drought Angels getting food left, right and centre so they’ve done that.
“It’s amazing what happens when people put their minds and heads together and, instead of running around red tape, we go ‘why don’t we just do the bloody job that we’re supposed to be doing’, and that’s help people.”
Mr Farrell was returning from a trip through to Queensland to ensure his convoy, of about 130 trucks and 170 trailers, will arrive smoothly in the drought-stricken Central West Queensland town of Ilfracombe on January 9.
“It’s very funny how there’s people that are supporting me ... and they’re supporting Drought Angels, and they’re supporting Jack but at the end of the day they’re supporting farmers because that’s what we’re all doing,” he said. “It’s really building to be something national.”
Mr Farrell said the ultimate goal for cash to cover fuel for donated trucks was $200,000 and, while the amazing Dollar For Drought campaign ensured the trip would run in full as planned, organisers were tens of thousands of dollars from that target.
Cash donations could be made to the Rotary Club of Sydney (BSB: 062 438 ACC: 10211156 Description: Drought Appeal). Drought Angels was also taking cash donations.
“I’m pretty excited, it’s going to happen January 7, brace yourself,” he said.
