The CWA of NSW is ending the year by making two significant donations to organisations that are both providing support ‘on the ground’ to communities that are in need.
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The Rural Financial Counselling Service NSW (RFCS) has received a $100,000 donation to support families suffering in the drought conditions that still affect so many parts of NSW. The second donation of $50,000 was given to Médecins Sans Frontières to help fight the Ebola epidemic that is affecting both rural and densely populated urban areas in Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia.
“The Country Women’s Association of NSW has a long and proud history of hands on assistance where it is needed most whether that is in Australia or overseas,” said CWA of NSW President, Tanya Cameron, “and that is just one reason why we like supporting the work of both these organisations. They provide on-the-ground, practical help to people who need it.
“I am very proud of the work of CWA members all over NSW – some of whom are affected by the drought themselves – who have tirelessly fundraised to help others.”
RFCS NSW will distribute the funds to their clients in a variety of ways including in the form of IGA gift cards, petrol cards or cheques. The funds will be distributed to rural producers who are identified by counsellors as experiencing extreme financial difficulty and require assistance due to the drought and will reach them in time for Christmas.
“Some of the areas currently in drought are experiencing their driest conditions on record. The combination of low rainfall and high temperatures has created the most severe drought conditions in parts of Queensland and New South Wales ever recorded, said Rod Cooke - Chair, Rural Financial Counselling Service NSW – Central West. “The CWA is going to make a huge difference for needy farmers during this festive season.”
This donation follows the CWA’s recent appeals to Government to provide easier access and less restrictions around government support for drought affected producers.
“While there does not seem to be any room for changing these restrictions in the short term, this gift from the members of the Country Women’s Association of NSW comes with no strings attached, no forms to fill out or hoops to jump through,” said Tanya. “We want the families affected by this insidious drought to know that we are still thinking of them and voicing our concerns.”
The donation to Médecins Sans Frontières will be used to support the work of their staff across West Africa.
“The donation that we have received from the Country Women’s Association NSW will help greatly with treating patients and providing the logistical and community support that is needed to help fight this epidemic,” said Ruth Molloy - Major Gifts Manager, Médecins Sans Frontières Australia.
“We are incredibly appreciative of the ongoing help that we receive from CWA members and have great respect for the commitment from the members who do so much to help fund not only our work but the work of others.”
Both organisations have received financial support from the CWA of NSW in the past.