I have heard harrowing tales of unbelievable hardship. Wives taking children off the farm and into town, leaving the man alone on his farm surrounded by dead and dying stock, or crops that have failed.

We all know that the suicide rate is through the roof. 

But how many of us stop to really reflect on what that means, to not only the wife and children left behind, but extended families, and whole communities? 

How does the man, now alone, continue? Where can he get a ray of hope?

In an endeavour for our District to respond, I have registered a project with Rotary Australia World Community Service (RAWCS,) which will provide a simple way for people to donate.

As a District project, Rotary Australia Compassionate Grants (RACG) will match all donations on a dollar for dollar basis, up to $15,000.

We are not restricted by the amount we raise. Anyone, anywhere is free to donate.

Just go to www.rawcs.org.au

Then click on the "Donate" button. All donations are tax deductible, which should make it attractive to corporate donors.

I will post updates on money donated, and/or disbursed, along with true stories of how we've all been able to help our mates.

Apart from the donations, may I suggest that for those who are actually in the drought area, that some thought be given to the plight of the wives and children?

Perhaps a community can organise things like a coffee morning, a hair and beauty makeover or something in that line.

I know these small things can make a woman feel good.

Also, Rotary Australia World Community Service (RAWCS) will hold a Bush Bash Ball on September 15 at 6.30pm in Wauchope Showground Hall, with entertainment from Chainsaw, Jo and Waddo.  Tickets $30. 

Some of the money will go to drought-stricken farmers, the rest will go local projects. 

Our farmers need us, they are in need.

Reg Pierce, Rotary Club of Wauchope