As the devastating effects of the drought continue, Katherine residents are coming together to rally support.
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Raising money for Drought Angels, Leah Garrett is the leading force behind the town’s recent unity to support Aussie farmers and rural communities.
After just over one week of fundraising, Ms Garrett has raised $500.
In addition, many Katherine businesses are getting behind the cause and donating prizes for a raffle.
“Territorians know what drought is and they want to get behind it,” Ms Garrett said.
“Everyone can see what a great cause this is, so it has been easy to get support.”
She is hoping to raise significant funds through a raffle and a sausage sizzle next Friday.
Working on stations for 10 years of her life, Ms Garrett has seen first hand how a drought severely effects many lives.
“This is a cause that is really close to my heart,” she said.
“It was hard seeing everyone doing it tough, so I thought I would do my bit,” she said.
Drought Angels provide food hampers, care packs, prepaid visas, local store vouchers, stock feed and hay to farmers.
But it was the mental health services which had Ms Garrett sold on the charity.
“A lot of farmers are too proud to seek help, but this way counsellors go out to them and talk to them and see if they are coping. It breaks down a lot of barriers,” she said.
So far, a heap of different prizes have been donated to the cause by local businesses.
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“Landmark has donated an electrical fence unit, there are two tickets to Darwin Air Boat donated by Matt Wright.
“We have vouchers to Katherine Fishing and Camping and Visions Hair Design.
“Tom Curtain has donated a family pass to his show, NT Tech has donated a Bluetooth speaker, the Sweetest Thing and Town and Country Butcher have also donated vouchers plus heaps more.
“Basically, we have received an amazing amount of support from the community,” Ms Garrett said.
Raffles are currently being sold for five dollars at Landmark, Toy World, the Finch Cafe, Katherine Real Estate, Katherine Vet Care and Red Gum Service Station.
To raise additional funds, a sausage sizzle is being held on Friday the 31st at Ezy Pool Care from 11am to 1.30pm.
