The Lions clubs of Blacktown, Riverstone and Mount Druitt worked together to raise the funds through a series of community events in Sydney and four members travelled to Quirindi recently to present the cheque to the Quirindi CWA.

The funds will go towards school programs including Life Education, fees and excursions, mental well-being programs, apprenticeship support, and scholarship programs.

Blacktown City Lions member Rachael Hanlon was among those who travelled to Quirindi and said the Lions’ goal had been to send the money “where it was needed”.

READ MORE: Blacktown a ‘pillar of strength for Liverpool Plains | The Big Dry

She said the club had also committed to set-up a sister city service arrangement with Quirindi CWA to provide “ongoing support” and club is already working on the next project.

“We are currently working collectively with Blacktown City Council on a Christmas appeal so we’re doing some fundraising activities to get some money to send up to Quirindi,” Mrs Hanlon said.

Quirindi CWA president Colleen Wills said the association’s drought relief fund had almost reached $200,000, with $20,000 to go into educational grants next year and $20,000 worth of vouchers to be purchased to help farming families celebrate Christmas. 

“Twenty-four businesses have been helped to the tune of around $70,000 at this point in time,” Mrs Wills said.

“Maintaining your street profile as well [is important].”

Mrs Wills said the CWA was also working with the Quirindi pharmacy to pay for important medications for those in need.

“Over two weeks we’ve paid out more than $2000 for 133 scripts,” she said.

READ ALSO: