The St Agnes’ Parish bale out appeal has topped $20,000 with the first roll-out of funds distributed this week.

Across the Lismore Diocese, almost $40,000 has been raised for the cause.

The appeal was launched about six weeks ago by St Agnes’ Parish Priest, Father Paul Gooley.

He says the appeal is being enthusiastically embraced by the Parish and the Port Macquarie community.

“The appeal started with a special collection at parish masses on July 14-15,” Father Paul said.

“The parish’s schools and Catholic Care for the Aged facilities got involved holding special fundraising events, and from there it spread to other parishes across the Lismore Diocese.

“This appeal has been taken on with such positivity and open-heartedness that it is easy to see Christ alive in our community today,” he said.

“Locally, we have raised around $20,000 although this figure may rise as funds are still coming in from donations and fundraising events.”

Father Paul praised the support of residents and staff at Catholic Care of the Aged facilities, including Emmaus, St Agnes’ Hostel, and Mary Knoll, who held mornings teas raising over $1400 for the appeal.

MacKillop College, St Joseph’s Regional College and Newman Senior Technical College raised funds through out of uniform days and sausage sizzles.

Father Paul said it was heart-warming to see how generously people are giving to help others in need.

“A 100% of the funds raised will be used towards feed for stock and for food and other items for farming families affected by the drought,” he added.

Father Paul, in consultation with Bishop Greg Homeming, has been talking with drought-affected parishes out west, including parishes within the Bathurst, Armidale and Wilcannia/Forbes Dioceses, to work out the best way to get help to those who need it most.

“Some of the funds will be distributed this week to buy hay, grain and water for stock through programs such as Buy a Bale and the Rapid Relief Team, who are trucking feed in from WA and Tasmania,” Father Paul said.

“We are also working to have food vouchers made available to farming families in need through supermarkets in drought-affected areas to help boost their local business communities.

“The shortage of water is not only affecting the stock but also the ability of families on the land to do something as simple as having a shower.

“As a result, we are also sending some of the funds to a pastoral care program in the Wilcannia/Forbes Diocese, which supports farmers by enabling them to stay in town at a motel for the night to have showers and wash clothes.”

In a gesture of moral support, the Parish’s Catholic Care of the Aged residents at Emmaus are also sending postcards with messages of encouragement to farmers out west during this tough time.

If you’d like to know more about the Bale Out appeal or to make a donation contact St Agnes’ Presbytery on 6583 1024.

Article as seen on Port News

Helping out: St Agnes’ Parish Priest, Father Paul Gooley accepting a donation to the Bale Out Appeal from residents and staff of the Catholic Care of the Aged Care facilities.