VICTORIA and NSW are fierce rivals in all facets of society, but the Echuca and Moama Lions Clubs have put aside any interstate ructions for a worthy cause.
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Both clubs have come together in the name of a good cause, donating hay to those in need.
Moama Lions Club member Colin Hosking came up with the idea late last year when he say someone he knew in need of a hand.
“I went up to see one of my neighbours in Coolatai around mid November last year and the conditions were terrible,” Mr Hosking said.
“The township has missed out on rain for a while now and my friend said he was set to run out of hay by February, so that's when I came up with this idea.”
Echuca Lions Club president Tim Noar caught wind of Mr Hosking's idea and knew he wanted to be involved.
“We always want to use the money raised in town to support local causes and although we are sending this hay interstate, it's still going to someone in need and that's what we do as part of the Lions Club, we help those who need it most,” Mr Noar said.
Between the two clubs they were able to raise $9000 that was used to purchase
“We've had collection tins in a few of the pubs and all the money from our cook-ups have gone to this cause as well,” Mr Hosking said.
“We used the money raised from our Illawarra Drive Christmas light display and it was lovely of St Joseph's to donate their share to the cause as well,” Tim said.
“We also had a member of Probus generously donate $500.
“We can't thank the public enough for their generosity.”
The NSW Rural Assistance Authority were also able to lend a helping hand by donating their time and money to transport the hay.
But this isn't all the Lions are doing to help the fire and drought affected farmers.
“A group of us are going away soon to Corryong to donate $10000 to the Lions Clubs there,” Mr Noar said.
The Lions are planning to send two more truck loads of hay to Wallangra
Donations are still welcome, whether it be money or dog biscuits.
The club is also welcoming new members.
You can donate or ask about joining by contacting Colin Hosking on 0437 370 707 or Tim Noar at tvnoar@icloud.com.
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