ONE day last December, an elderly lady walked into the Bega District News office with $700 wrapped in a handkerchief.

After reading about the Give the Bush a Break appeal in the paper, she decided to donate her savings so that a drought-affected family could take a holiday on the coast.

Like many of the ordinary people from Nowra to Eden who donated cash to the appeal, she wished to remain anonymous.

That kindness has resulted in 31 holiday packages, containing accommodation at the coast, petrol, food and entertainment vouchers, being distributed through drought affected districts to our west.

Many of the packages were hand-delivered before Christmas, to battling families selected by the Rural Financial Counselling Service Central West.

Accommodation providers were the first to answer the call, providing the basis around which to build the holiday.

The appeal widened, with the newspapers receiving donations of meat from local butchers, bakery goods, massages, surfing lessons, food hampers, shopping vouchers, local cheeses and fresh oysters.

Then there were fishing trips, bike hire, hair cuts, magazines and newspapers - one local business even donated kennel accommodation so the family pet could come along too.

South Coast restaurants, clubs, pubs and cafes opened their doors to provide free meals while tourist operators were generous with family passes to local attractions and activities.

Chief executive officer of the RFCCW, Jeff Caldbeck, described the response from readers as “spectacular”.

“The bush is very appreciative,” he said.

“For many people this will be the first holiday they have had since the drought began.

“It’s one thing to offer a holiday, but another thing to offer the fuel and cash to go with it.

“The packages are well thought out, well put together and gratefully received.”

The Give the Bush A Break appeal was the brainchild of editor of the Bay Post-Moruya Examiner, Kim Treasure, who was born and bred on a property at Cowra.