Last weekend, on a cool, windy Saturday over thirty Rotary Club of Orange Daybreak (RCOD) members and friends, volunteered to assist at the second Feast for Farmers long lunch, held in the Heifer Station Wines Bull Paddock.

What a contrast to the 2019 event held after years of drought, with the Bull Paddock turned to dust and the sun blazing down. While most farming communities around Orange have had plenty of rain since the devastating drought and crops have been well fertilised, there is still need for assistance around our region.

With ongoing restocking, the infamous mice plague, debt, and in some cases flooding, the Feast for Farmers is still very relevant, and people have responded accordingly - generously.

In 2019 there was $40,000 profit and Rotary Club of Orange Daybreak collected, accounted for and disbursed the funds raised with the assistance of ‘GIVIT,’ a national not-for-profit company connecting those who have with those who need.

500 vouchers were purchased locally to support small town businesses and then distributed throughout the Cabonne and Cudal Council area by the CWA and fellow progress associations for groceries and fuel, special school lunches, preschool furniture, clothing, picnic tables and swimming equipment.

This year, with numbers limited due to Covid restrictions, over $25,000 was raised via generous bidding on auction prizes and the selling of raffle tickets. Many local businesses donated goods, prizes and services to ensure the event's success.

A large grazing table was provided by Groundstone Café and live music provided by Gabe Middleton.

RCOD President Sue Moffatt mentioned fellow Rotarians and friends assisted with serving wine and food, set up and packed up over three days and organised transport. All of that after a stint in at the Orange Farmers Markets the very same day!

Sue explained, “Our Club was stretched to the limit and deserves recognition for their non-stop efforts. As we did in 2019, some Club members will travel to the small communities and spend the $25,000 locally. This will be after advice is given from GIVIT about which shops and associations are most in need. It truly was another day full of joy.”