It follows Woolworths’ initial $1.5 million donation, plus further Woolworths Scone fundraising, which is helping Rural Aid deliver more hay, essential items and counselling support services to farmers in need.

“The Australian farming community is a resilient one, but there is an urgent need for ongoing support for farmers who continue to do it tough during this drought,” Rural Aid CEO Charles Alder said.

“We’ve been overwhelmed by the response of the Woolworths store teams and customers over the past week. 

“Since the supermarket came on board as a partner with their initial $1.5 million donation and opened up fundraising channels in their stores, we’ve been able to provide more certainty to hundreds of farmers who have reached out to us in urgent need of feed for their livestock. 

“Additionally we’ve been able to increase vital counselling services available for farming families in regional communities.”

Woolworths Scone store manager Jill Ollerton admitted it had been “amazing to see our customers and team rally behind Aussie farmers impacted by this drought”.

“In less than a week, Woolworths customers nationally have already donated in excess of $600,000 for Rural Aid’s Buy a Bale appeal through our checkouts nationwide,” she said.

“This generosity is making a real difference in rural communities, and has inspired us to build on our support of Rural Aid’s vital work.

“On top of the $1.5 million commitment Woolworths made last week, we’ll be donating all fresh department profits this Saturday to Rural Aid’s Buy a Bale appeal at our supermarkets.

“This means all profits from sales of fruit and veg, meat, the chilled section, bakery and deli at Woolworths Scone, supermarkets nationwide and online this Saturday will help support farmers doing it tough because of the drought.”

Fresh department profits donated on Saturday, August 11, will help Rural Aid to fund more stock livestock feed for farmers, household supplies and counselling services.

“This further boost to funding this Saturday will have a significant impact on the long-term support we are going to be able to provide farmers in drought affected regions,” Mr Alder said.

Scone customers can also donate to the Buy a Bale appeal in store at Woolworths Scone, or any other Woolworths, Woolworths Metro or Woolworths Petrol store, as well as Woolworths Online. 

All donations over $2 are tax deductible and 100 per cent of the funds go to Rural Aid.