Charity concert Hay Mate might have taken place last December, but its fundraising efforts are still being felt by Aussie farmers across the country who were affected by drought last summer.
Organisers of the televised concert, which took place on the Mornington Racecourse and featured John Farnham, All My Exes Live In Texas, Vanessa Amorosi and more, have announced that the fundraising total from the initiative reached $5.8 million dollars.
The funds raised throughout the event, telethon and continuing donations have been donated to Rural Aid to buy hay and water, and provide financial assistance for those Aussie farmers who need it most.
“The generosity of people all over Australia was extraordinary,” Hay Mate organiser Glenn Wheatley said.
“There was real empathy from everybody over the plight of the farmers during the worst drought in decades. Their added plight from the fires has now added to the cause. Australians dug deep that night.”
It’s been revealed that more than 3,000 farmers were provided relief as a result of Hay Mate, with the distribution of hay and water taking place from January until now.
“We have to give thanks to all the artists who gave up their time to perform on the night,” Wheatley said.
“Thanks to all at the Nine Network and to Rural Aid. But, most of all thanks to the people of Australia who donated to this most worthy of causes.”
For more details, head to the Hay Mate website.
