FATHER-SON duo John and Andrew Pilmore of Lucindale were welcomed with open arms when they arrived in a drought-affected small town in New South Wales last month.
Delivering groceries and grain to locals in Pooncarie, John said around 100 people gathered in the town centre to welcome the pair and a convoy of truck drivers who had arrived with hay.
“We have completed two round trips to Pooncarie and we are gathering donations for a third trip,” Mr Pilmore told The Border Watch.
“Andrew lived in Pooncarie for 12 years and we felt like we needed to do something to help.
“Around 100 people were there to greet us and about four or five other trucks loaded with hay.
“It is heartbreaking there at the moment – these locals had tears streaming down their faces.”
The Pooncarie publican donated a free dinner and bed at his pub for the truck drivers, allowing them a good night’s rest before the 600km journey home.
“It is hard to imagine drought when we are about to have 30mm of rain in the next three weeks,” Mr Pilmore said.
“This relief effort was only possible because generous Lucindale locals donated and helped cover $1200 in fuel costs.
“We are still open for donations for a third trip.”
