Lions District N2 has, in response to the drought, launched the Farming Families Drought Relief Project.
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The aim is to provide farming families with the necessities to live with pride and dignity during tough times. Because local businesses also suffer through lack of turnover and cash flow during drought, the Lions are providing gift cards, vouchers, or cash cards to identified farming families to purchase necessities at their local corner stores, grocers, or retailers.
Katrina Hodgkinson, Federal Vice President of The Nationals and former NSW Primary Industries Minister, has welcomed the Lions Clubs of Australia District 201N2 initiative to specifically service drought affected families in south-eastern NSW, including the South Coast, Illawarra, Southern Highlands, ACT, Southern Tablelands, the Monaro and the Snowy Mountains.
"Lions International is a global community of more than 1.4 million volunteer members, it has operated for over a century, and it is the largest service organisation in the world. As a founding member of the NSW Parliamentary Lions Club, I can attest that Lions are proud to roll up their sleeves and help those in need," Ms Hodgkinson said.
Families eligible to apply for assistance fall in the following categories:
- A single income farming defendant family; or
- Families of farming contractors (farm-hands on single income); and
- Be within the geographical region of the Lions Clubs International District 201N2; and
- Be within a geographical region in “intense drought” or “drought” as per the NSW Department of Primary Industries Combined Drought Indicator.
Grant assistance in voucher form, up to a maximum of $2000, may be provided to purchase essential groceries at local merchants, petrol at the nearest provider, also payment on production of invoice for overdue essential accounts such as gas, electricity and phone for residence only. Other provisions of assistance to help may include:
- Dental/medical emergency services (gap payments considered)
- Pharmacy payments for prescription medication
- School uniform/footwear expenses, stationary expenses.
- Family pet food and essential medication.
- Family haircuts.
Application for other emergency assistance may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
“There are many families throughout coastal and country SE NSW who could be benefiting from this wonderful project and I encourage them to apply”, Ms Hodgkinson said.
For further information on the project email: lions@dmmckenna.com
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