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'Anyone can make a difference': Young girl's heartwarming act of kindness for farmers

A young South Australian girl has started up a fundraising page to help drought-stricken farmers.

Kaelen Greenhalgh, 9, who lives at Renmark, in the Riverland northeast of Adelaide, has decided to do something to help those struggling with drought.

She doesn’t live on a farm but her mum, Kylie, said seeing footage of animals dying of starvation broke the little girl’s heart and nearly had her in tears.

Kaelan Greenhalgh started up a fundraising page on Facebook for farmers in need. Source: 7 News
Kaelan Greenhalgh started up a fundraising page on Facebook for farmers in need. Source: 7 News

Riverland farmer Shane Nettle sells hay and grain but is struggling to keep up with demand- and that’s where Kaelan and her mum have stepped in.

The pair have started up a fundraising page on Facebook selling loom bands in return for donations to Drought Angels – a charity which uses money to buy supplies for farmers in need.

Ms Greenhalgh said initially she thought her daughter might make $20.

Kaelen said donations are helping farmers receive dog food, bales of hay and other supplies. Source: 7 News
Kaelen said donations are helping farmers receive dog food, bales of hay and other supplies. Source: 7 News

So far, she’s managed to raise $1100.

Kaelen’s primary school and local sporting clubs have thrown their support behind her campaign but the family has been overwhelmed by donations from all over Australia, including from many farmers.

“I had faith that she’d do something but I never expected it would be as crazy as what it’s been,” Ms Greenhalgh said.

“She’s taught me that anyone can make a difference no matter how old you are.”

Mr Nettle said their efforts are “magnificent” and shows “people are thinking of them (farmers) and caring about them”.