I will always be forever grateful for the overwhelming support ...
Being a Farmer (as well as a Finance Broker), I have experienced the highs and lows of farming life and have developed extraordinary resilience to the challenges this life brings.
I will always be forever grateful for the support shown to us during the recent drought, which is yet to let go of it’s grip. It was overwhelming to witness, and be on the receiving end of, generosity shared by friends and family, to charity groups, our Local Council, and to the greater Australian Community. Charities such as Rural Aid, Drought Angels, Queensland Country Women’s Association, the Australian Red Cross, The Salvation Army, Muslim Aid Australia, Rotary Club of Warwick Sunrise, and Granite Belt Drought Assist have provided much-needed assistance to so many within the Southern Downs and Granite Belt.
This of course was made possible with the awe-inspiring support from the Australian Community, our fellow Aussies along with other businesses and community groups who donated to provide those in need with drinking water, stock water, fodder, food hampers, gift vouchers, clothing, and basic essential items and most importantly HOPE!!!
From the early stages of drought, the Southern Downs Regional Council facilitated Community events to bring together those in need with those that could assist. This was the most valuable experience for me as it opened my eyes to how many people were facing the same challenges, and most importantly that we weren’t alone in our fight to push through. These events gave me so much strength and reassurance that we weren’t alone, so many people had our backs and wanted us to survive and prosper. For those of us that felt we couldn’t push on any further, the emphasis was on understanding that there was no shame in giving up as these were extreme times and we were all doing our best. Such amazing support!
If not for this support, then I honestly do not know if I would be where I am today.
This is how I Pay it Forward
From my experience, I learned the value of banding together to support one another, and that together we can pull through. You see, it was not just the primary Producers that needed the help. Rural Farming Communities thrive when the Farmers are doing well, though the devastating effects of extended periods of drought are felt by the entire towns and communities that rely on farming.
That is why I decided to Pay It Forward with a referral system that gives back to Small Business Rural Communities. When customers are referred my way, I like to show my gratitude by purchasing a Gift Voucher to give to the referrer … my way of saying thank you upon settlement of the loan generated by the referral. Below is a selection of fantastic small businesses that I would love to support with my Paying It Forward referral rewards program.
If you have referred someone my way, then where would you like to go shopping?
Do you know of a business that would like my support?
Suggest a Business to Support
Click the link below and send us their details.
We will check them out and if we feel they align to our values, we will showcase them here.
Want to do more for farmers?
Australia is the land of “drought and flooding rains” and as we are still in a drought cycle there are still many people out there still in need. Farmers tend to put themselves last, even when it comes to food. Your animals always come first and this means that unfortunately many farmers out there are going without a lot of the basics. Here are a few suggestions of the charities and organisations you can support through donations.
Drought Angels provide individualised heartfelt support to farming families in need of significant financial relief. This integral support can be in the way of pre-paid VISA cards, food hampers, care packs, and more importantly, for me, it was the understanding, empathy, and emotional support. A exceptional charity with a massive heart for our Australian Farmers!
To make a donation to Drought Angels please visit their donations page, once you have selected your donation amount and navigated to the check-out screen please ensure you enter my Angel Fund Raiser number of 7768 in the Additional Information field on the check-out screen before clicking Place Order to finalise the donation.
There are many ways the QCWA helps our Queensland Communities. The Public Rural Crisis Fund has been of considerable help to many Queenslanders in rural, regional and remote locations which have been impacted by drought, flood, bushfire or other emergencies. This grant in particular is one that has provided many a farmer with some much-needed support. The QCWA will match dollar for dollar the donations received through this Fund, and 100% of direct debit donations to the PRCF go to recipient families.
To make a donation to this fund please visit QCWA – Donate and be sure to select “Public Rural Crisis Fund”.
Rural Aid provides critical support to help farmers (Primary Producers) who endure drought flood and fire. This help can be in the way of fodder (hay), water, financial help, and counseling assistance. The counseling service provides an avenue for Farmers to access mental health support and counseling that they may not have otherwise sought. A very valuable service!
To make a donation to Rural Aid and to fund out more about how you can help, please visit their donations page.
Help me to help others ...
Are you ready to start your lending journey and are you chomping at the bit for some good old fashion customer service?
Want to make a difference at the same time?
Let me know you want to become part of the butterfly effect, and I will send YOU shopping on the settlement of YOUR loan.