MORE than $30,000 has been raised for the New England Drought Relief Appeal following last month’s bumper open garden day.
Almost $10,000 was contributed from the open garden event on Saturday 29 March, which saw eight properties opened to the public.
Gardeners were given less than three weeks notice to have their yards ready for public viewing, but were overwhelmed by the amount of support.
Money was raised through gate entry, plant and cake stalls, pony rides, donations and raffles.
Supporters in the New England area generously gave more than 30 items to raffle and it proved popular with visitors on the day.
Despite recent rain, many dams are still not full and grass is being eaten by stock almost as soon as it pops out of the ground.
New England Drought Relief Appeal co-ordinator Steve McMillan said $33,655 had been banked in the New England Mutual account as of last week.
