Catholic schools across the Archdiocese have shown tremendous generosity, empathy and kindness with messages of support and fundraising efforts for drought affected communities.

St Monica’s Evatt held a Farmer Day to support 'Hay and Hampers for Hope', an initiative promoted by the Australian Primary Principals' Association, and Rural Aid’s ‘Buy a Bale’ campaign.

Principal Carmel Maguire said that these valuable programs provide support to farmers in need by delivering hay for cattle feed, as well as other essential items like food for families in drought-affected farming communities.

“These funds will enable more counsellors to support farmers and their families impacted by mental health issues as a result of the drought,” she said.

St Bede’s Braidwood have raised $823 through ‘Fiver for a Farmer’ with a uniform free day in support of their local farmers and graziers who are suffering from the severe drought. Year 6 students said that they would celebrate like it was Christmas if it rained!

St Patrick’s Parish School in Cooma passed around the hat for the Vinnies Drought Appeal and filled it up with over $2000 on the day – enough to provide farmers with 88 bales of hay, 81,000 litres of water of 33 food hampers for families. The school is presenting a cheque to St Vincent de Paul’s next month, as the grand total continues to rise.

St Joseph’s Adelong Principal Kirsty Beavan said, “Most of our families are on the land and also doing it tough so the students' prayers are very heart felt!”. Read the students’ prayers here.

As part of their Religious Education program, Ss Peter and Paul’s Primary School in Goulburn chose to fundraise for farmers as a social justice initiative, drawing on scripture to realise their greatest commandment is to love one another.

To accompany the school’s ‘Dress as a Farmer’ day, 5/6B ran activities for each class in the school, teaching students about the drought and running farm based activity competitions.  

Students made paper cranes as a sign of hope, and the older students informed the younger classes how buying local and Australian made products creates a sustainable economy for our famers and nation.

Year 5/6 student Zara said that there are many ways to help our farmers, but her class chose ‘Buy a Bale’ because it shows where your money goes. The school of 232 students raised $669 on the day.  

Thank you to everyone who has contributed to supporting those who are sadly affected by the drought. We continue to pray for rain.