Sisters spurred on to help NSW farmers

It was a television appeal for drought-stricken New South Wales farmers which spurred Safety Bay sisters Anya, 6, and Alina Purcell, 5, into action and raise funds for the We’re For The Bush Drought Appeal.

Four weeks on, the big-hearted duo have raised more than $500 for NSW farmers, thanks to the generosity of friends and neighbours, according to mum Rachel Sinden.

Ms Sinden said her daughters were shocked to see farmers forced to euthanise sheep and cows, following months of drought across NSW, as part of Channel 7’s Sunday Night program earlier this month.

She said Anya and Alina knocked on doors across Safety Bay, along with their grandmother Rose Sinden, raising $517.30.

“Anya and Alina wanted to raise $500 for the farmers and made a special collection bucket to take around to some of the neighbours,” Ms Sinden said.

“One lady was a farmer visiting her mother at Ranford Place and donated $20.”

Ms Sinden said she was proud of the girls, and wanted to encourage them to do their best to help others, if possible.

Anya, who attends Rockingham Lakes Primary School along with her sister, said her grandmother was forced to carry the bucket after it got too heavy.