Quota’s appeal for drought stricken families in the Walgett area began in mid-July. Donations were placed inside an upside down red umbrella, representing a symbol of distress. Quotarians and the red umbrella were to be found at various locations in Taree and Wingham.

The appeal quickly gathered momentum and in early September, $14,500 had been raised and sent to Walgett CWA to be distributed as vouchers to affected families.

Taree Quota Club has received a personal thank you from a family in Walgett who explained that the cheque they received couldn’t have come at a better time.

The letter said:

“I am writing with a very heartfelt thank you for your generous donation. I received a cheque in the mailbox from Walgett CWA. With the untimely death of our old milking goat, we were able to use that money to buy another milking doe from a nice family at Pilliga.

“When we lost ‘Sophie’, we weren’t sure how we could afford another. My sons have all kinds of allergies and intolerances, so for us we really do need a milker.

“We couldn’t believe our luck when the cheque arrived.

“So again, thank you all so very much for being so kind and thoughtful. Your donation was greatly appreciated.”