Drought Angels give farmers hope

A TELEVISION documentary showing tearful, drought-stricken farmers standing over the decomposing carcasses of their livestock prompted four East London friends to mobilise as the Drought Angels.

The water warriors – a B&B owner, a recruitment agent, a human resources consultant and a payroll administrator – have no links to farming, yet feel strongly about helping the cash-strapped farming community.

“We are not farmers, but we wanted to help so we got in touch with the Komgha Farmers’ Association who identified what farmers’ needs are,” said Princes Lodge B&B owner Sam Ramsay.

“We found out that due to the drought farmers had not been able to grow grass to feed livestock and, because they had not budgeted for it, had to take out loans to buy feed,” said Juliette Churchill, who works in HR.

Many evenings of planning later, the eco-minded pals, who include recruitment consultant Kirstin Liss and payroll administrator Nicky Hare, have organised a Picnic in the Dark fundraiser tomorrow evening and hope to raise R10 000 for needy farmers.

“The odds are really stacked against farmers yet they produce food for the country,” said Ramsay.

The four friends decided to time the picnic to coincide with global Earth Day tomorrow, which encourages people to be more environmentally friendly.

The Drought Angels will be transforming Princes Lodge’s tennis court into an enchanting picnic venue complete with a Bedouin tent and as much candlelight and solar lighting as possible tomorrow evening.

Churchill quipped that the water crisis which hit city suburbs this week had been a like a “marketing plan” for their fundraiser.

“Having no water hit home just how hard it must be for farmers who have no water for months yet have to feed animals and supply the food chain.”

Although tickets for seated spots at the Picnic in the Dark have sold out, “bring your own camping chair” tickets at R80 are still available and picnic hampers can still be booked.

The picnic at the Vincent B&B begins at 7pm and the ticket price includes performances by Grens High School marimba band and acapella group, singers Alec Voogt and Jamie Atterbury, DJing by Les Venter and a didgeridoo performance by Kevin Fish.

“All the musicians have been so generous and are doing the gigs for free. It is amazing how many people want to help,” said Ramsay.

● Ticket and picnic basket bookings for the Picnic in the Dark can be made by calling Ramsay at 083-7841558.