FARMERS IN NEED ~SOUTH AFRICA
Donation protected
Being from South Africa and now living in the USA. I was made aware of the extreme drought in South Africa and how it is reeking havoc on the farmers and their livestock. I did some research and found a few articles. I would like to share the one with you - that will explain why I am asking for help for these folk. In 2 weeks they raised R70,000 - here in the USA that equates to about $4600 . Rate of exchange is really great for Dollar donations. $10 will give them R150
1 US Dollar equals
15.82 South African Rand
Please read their story and please lets all show our support.
BETHLEHEM - The drought that has affected parts of South Africa has had dire consequences for the farming community, with farmers being unable to water crops or feed their flock.
After seeing sheep dying from starvation at a fellow farmer's plot, part-time farmer Nc Schoombee decided to start a Facebook group to address the plight of farmers severely affected by drought.
"Living in Bethlehem, I saw firsthand how badly farmers were affected. Whether a drought lasts for a short or long period, it could make or break you in this sector and also has an effect on the economy as a whole," Schoombee said.
"I started realising that something had to be done. I saw, through communication on various social media platforms, that farmers who had extra were willing to assist those who had nothing but did not know how to get to them. That is when I started 'Boere in Nood' - to connect those who were willing to provide resources to those who were in desperate need of them."
An Eastern Cape farmer called Nico Gerber was the first to offer feed to farmers in need and many others soon followed suit.
In just under three weeks, the group has grown to 1,647 members.
"We have raised in R 71,300 in cash donations and 1,500 bales of feed have been offered by farmers in the Eastern Cape," Schoombee said.
There have also been donations from farmers from other parts of the country and even offers of help from South Africans abroad.
"Two trucking companies have offered to help transport the feed between locations," Schoombee said.
There have also been donations of cow lick and water cribs, among other things.
Schoombee said, "The more people see us, the more they want to help. It's incredible how a little help goes a long way - a farmer literally cried when he told his story to me and we were moved to help him."
Schoombee explained that the organisation will help farmers "structurally", so as not to over-advantage one farmer over another.
"There is a structure in place to make sure help is distributed equally to farmers in areas of need who approach us," he said.
1 US Dollar equals
15.82 South African Rand
Please read their story and please lets all show our support.
BETHLEHEM - The drought that has affected parts of South Africa has had dire consequences for the farming community, with farmers being unable to water crops or feed their flock.
After seeing sheep dying from starvation at a fellow farmer's plot, part-time farmer Nc Schoombee decided to start a Facebook group to address the plight of farmers severely affected by drought.
"Living in Bethlehem, I saw firsthand how badly farmers were affected. Whether a drought lasts for a short or long period, it could make or break you in this sector and also has an effect on the economy as a whole," Schoombee said.
"I started realising that something had to be done. I saw, through communication on various social media platforms, that farmers who had extra were willing to assist those who had nothing but did not know how to get to them. That is when I started 'Boere in Nood' - to connect those who were willing to provide resources to those who were in desperate need of them."
An Eastern Cape farmer called Nico Gerber was the first to offer feed to farmers in need and many others soon followed suit.
In just under three weeks, the group has grown to 1,647 members.
"We have raised in R 71,300 in cash donations and 1,500 bales of feed have been offered by farmers in the Eastern Cape," Schoombee said.
There have also been donations from farmers from other parts of the country and even offers of help from South Africans abroad.
"Two trucking companies have offered to help transport the feed between locations," Schoombee said.
There have also been donations of cow lick and water cribs, among other things.
Schoombee said, "The more people see us, the more they want to help. It's incredible how a little help goes a long way - a farmer literally cried when he told his story to me and we were moved to help him."
Schoombee explained that the organisation will help farmers "structurally", so as not to over-advantage one farmer over another.
"There is a structure in place to make sure help is distributed equally to farmers in areas of need who approach us," he said.
Organiser
Michele Hattingh
Organiser
Haymarket, VA