Coles and its customers at Bowral combine to help drought-affected farmers.

Coles and its customers at Bowral have contributed more than $26,000 to the Country Women’s Association (CWA) of New South Wales to help out farmers. 

Throughout August and September, Coles stores in NSW matched every donation dollar-for-dollar and this resulted in Coles and its Bowral customers contributing to a state-wide fundraising tally of $2,836,000.

Nationally, customers helped raise more than $7,171,400 million for the CWA. 

Country Women’s Association of NSW CEO Danica Leys said, the generosity of Coles, along with its customers, would ensure that the CWA could keep progressing with its work of providing assistance with household bills for those affected by drought.

“This donation is sincerely and humbly appreciated. We’d like to thank Coles and their generous customers for their kindness at this time,” Ms Leys said.

“The gesture itself is amazing, but the money will help in meaningful and practical ways like helping with phone bills, school fees, electricity bills and groceries.

“These are all bills which must be paid and they don’t stop for farmers in drought affected areas.”

Coles has also pledged five million dollars in grants or interest-free loans from the Coles Nurture Fund.

This is for farmers who have projects needing completion and will help them to combat drought in the future.

Coles State General Manager, Emma Bridges said Coles was overwhelmed by the generosity of local shoppers across NSW.

“We are incredibly grateful for this tremendous contribution from our customers and team members who have gone above and beyond to raise funds for the CWA drought appeal,” she said.

“Many of our NSW store teams hosted bake sales, dress up days and collected food donations which went towards preparing hampers for local families impacted by the drought.

“Thanks to their generous donations and fundraising efforts, more than $2.8 million will go back to supporting local farmers, growers and producers who are experiencing hardship as a result of the drought.”

For anyone wanting to donate to help out our farmers doing it tough, you can donate at https://www.cwaofnsw.org.au/donate.