The NSW Government has named not-for-profit GIVIT an official partner to manage offers of assistance for farmers, their families and rural communities experiencing hardship due to the current drought.

GIVIT works with hundreds of local charities, schools and community service providers, connecting those who need help with those willing to give.

Since establishment in 2009, GIVIT has matched more than 770,000 items for Australia’s most vulnerable and its innovative online platform manages the flow of donations removing the need to sort, store and dispose of unwanted items.

NSW Department of Primary Industries Deputy Director General Agriculture Kate Lorimer- Ward said the partnership was a practical way to help ensure the widespread support being shown for farmers facing drought translated to practical help for rural communities.

“We have seen a widespread groundswell of support, not just here in NSW but right across the country,” she said.

“In times like this it can be a challenge for people to turn that good will into the right help in the right place. This partnership will help ensure the donations that are coming in are matched with the people for whom they will do the most good.”

GIVIT CEO and Founder Juliette Wright said with the entire state now in drought, the situation is heart-breaking.

“I’ve seen first-hand the struggles communities face during drought. GIVIT will channel the generosity of everyday Australians to make a real difference to these drought-affected communities by meeting their real immediate needs,” Ms Wright said.

“We are working with hundreds of charities on the ground, big and small, to ask communities what is needed - Right now, we know there are food and fuel vouchers desperately needed around Broken Hill.”

For more information or to see how you can help visit, www.givit.org.au