Drought aid floods in

By Paul Dunlop
A BID to help drought-affected farmers wash away some of the stress of the Big Dry has prompted a huge response.
Responding to a call from the CWA, residents have donated toiletries that will be made into packs and distributed to areas where the drought is hurting hardest.
Pakenham CWA branch’s acting secretary Chris Johnson said donations from the community had flooded in.
“We would like to thank the people of Pakenham for their truly magnificent response to our drought relief appeal,” she said.
“Currently we have received over $3000 worth of items that have and will be made up into packs and sent off to farmers and their wives.”
Mrs Johnson said donated items included soap, deodorants, shampoo, conditioner, toothbrushes, toothpaste and some beautifully presented luxury packs of perfume, face cream and body lotion.
The CWA was particularly grateful for the efforts of Pakenham Hills Primary School and the Pakenham Lions Club.
“Pakenham Hills Primary School embraced our appeal involving the entire school community which resulted in four large laundry baskets crammed with a wide variety of items,” Mrs Johnson said.
“The Lions Club donated the takings of $450 from a recent barbecue held outside Safeway.”
The CWA’s next meeting will be held on Wednesday, 4 April at the guide hall in Henry Street, starting at 10 am.
New members are most welcome. Contact Chris on 5941 1625 or Bev on 5941 5343.