An emotional phone call from the principal of Trundle Central School John Southon has led Crookwell-based Leigh Sharwood to stand beside the drought-stricken town.
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Trundle is in the central west where almost half of the region is in intense drought, as shown on the Department of Primary Industries latest drought map.
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In late October, Mr Sharwood listened to the principal tell 2GB jockey Steve Price of the hardship faced by the people in Trundle due to the drought, especially the kids.
"The kids were having a tough time with the drought, listening to that got me motivated to do something," Mr Sharwood said.
Mr Sharwood gathered the support of businesses and organisations to deliver relief to the rural town.
Last Friday, he led a convoy carrying donations of "water, dog tucker, groceries, and spuds" some 300 kilometres to Trundle from Crookwell.
"I put the word out on the bush telegraph and the Crookwell and district generosity is awesome which enabled me to collect donations."
Mr Southon thanked the community.
"The generosity from the Crookwell community goes beyond the enormous value of the goods," he said.
"This drought is slowly taking away human spirit and hope because it is relentless. However, when we receive the goodwill from communities such as Crookwell it reminds my students that we are not alone and Australia whilst it is diverse socially, economically, racially and has a variety of faiths we are still one big caring community.
"The Crookwell community will always have a special place in this schools history now and we hope to repay the generosity one day.
"Please accept 110 sets of hands patting you on the back ."
Mr Sharwood thanked the community and businesses for their donations, including the helpers.
"Our farming mate's from Trundle are very thankful for everyone's help," Mr Sharwood said.
Floyd Davies, the owner of Crookwell IGA and grocery distributor Metcash, donated a pallet of water towards the drive.
He said without an IGA in the town he was driven to show his support.
Other supporters included JD'S Hardware and Rural Supplies, Garry Kadwell, Laggan Hotel, Chum Dog food, Canberra Contractors, ACT Health and local farmers.
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