Cafe Omega has thrown its support behind struggling farmers and launched a campaign to raise money for drought relief.
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For every hot beverage sold at the cafe during the month of August, Cafe Omega will donate 50 cents to Rural Aid. Cafe owner Charles Budway said that while 50 cents might not seem like a lot of money, it had the potential to go a long way.
“If every business did something little, then collectively we would make a massive impact,” Mr Budway said.
Staff at Omega Cafe met on Sunday to brainstorm ways that they could help farmers. Mr Budway credited his employees as the brainchild of the campaign.
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“We’re a small, family run business. From the smallest farmer to the big guys, we deal with every sort of customer. We’ve seen a lot of what’s been happening over the months, and that’s what has got us concerned.
“The next 12 months could be a real horror story if no rain comes.”
On top of money raised from the hot beverages, the team have also set up a makeshift bucket at the counter, for any small donations.
“I have tried to get on to Rural Aid to get the official bucket, but they are so inundated with calls for help these days that it’s hard to get through. Until we get in contact with them, this bucket will have to do.”
Mr Budway noted that the drought had a roll-on affect and had started to see it impact smaller businesses.
“We want to keep our staff and business open and we want people to start doing their bit so Moree doesn’t suffer heavily.”
He said that social media had a role to play in lifting up spirits.
“There is a lot of bad news on social media. But when people start to see that there are others out there doing things like this, it gives them hope and tells them can do something about it.”
Mr Budway said that if conditions did not let up, then the cafe would look to other ways to help farmers early next year. In the meantime, Mr Budway encourages other businesses in town to get on board and kickstart their own drought-relief campaign.
“We’re not looking to make a profit, or boost sales through this campaign. We just want to give back to the farmers,” Mr Budway said.
Are you a small business or local who is raising money for the drought relief. Let the Moree Champion know and contact moreechampion@fairfaxmedia.com.au.
