Woolies drought relief success

Woolworths has raised more than $4.7 million for drought relief with its recent fundraiser, far above the retailer’s expectations.

In a show of corporate philanthropy, the supermarket giant pledged Tuesday’s profits from its Woolworths and Safeway stores to Australia’s drought-stricken farmers.

The retailer initially hoped to raise about $3 million through its Drought Action Day, but total profits of $4,714,033 exceeded its, and farmers’, wildest dreams.

The Country Women’s Association, which will distribute the money, said it was overwhelmed.
“Across the country, we’ve had people contacting the CWA asking how they can help and how they can make a difference,” CWA national president Lesley Young said.

Two-thirds of the money raised will go to helping farming families manage household expenses such as bills and back-to-school costs, while the remainder will be set aside for a sustainable agricultural initiative.