WESTERN Australian's emptied their pockets last week to help farmers across the State as they deal with one of the worst droughts in history.
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Last Friday's Drought Action Day saw the Country Woman's Association (CWA) team up with Woolworths who donated a day's profit from all fresh fruit and vegetables sold to help farming families still suffering from the drought.
Woolworths Regional manager Brad Bolin said over the past three years, customers across WA had raised a total of $1.7 million which has provided valuable financial support to hundreds of families.
"In previous years we have seen an enormous amount of support from customers, buying their shopping with us and donating money at the checkouts on Drought Action Day," he said.
"It is fantastic to see such community spirit."
CWA of WA president Maggie Donaldson said one of the aims of the CWA was to improve the wellbeing of all people, especially those people in country areas.
"On behalf of the families affected by drought, the CWA thank you all for your generosity," Ms Donaldson said.
Woolworths' 83 stores across the State took part in the Drought Action Day, which Premier Colin Barnett said was a very tangible way of helping people in country areas.
"For people in country areas, this is a very difficult and dry period," Mr Barnett said.
"I really appreciate what Woolworths and Woolworths customers are doing today.
"When there's a time of hardship, Western Australian's pull together and are remarkably generous."
Mr Barnett recognised that this was a very serious drought and urged farmers to talk to someone if they were feeling the pressure.
"If you're facing financial troubles or emotional stress of all that you have to be concerned about, I urge you to talk to someone," he said.
"Talk to the CWA or talk to the services that are available, don't just sit by yourself."
