Reds to join the Hogs in convoy
HELENSVALE have teamed with the Reds to donate water to drought-stricken farmers around the Warwick area.
Queensland Reds players Asako Ono and Emily Bass will join the Hogs convoy this morning to deliver about 1.5 tonnes of water, non-perishable food items and Christmas presents to the Warwick Water Rats rugby club, who will distribute the items to the wider community.
Bass, who plays rugby for Bond Uni but attended boarding school in Warwick, said the plight of farmers was being felt around the community.
“I grew up on a cotton farm in Dirranbandi, about four hours away, and it’s depressing to see how dry things are,” the 21-year-old said.
“We haven’t planted out there for two years or maybe even longer because there’s no water and no rain.
“When the Reds asked if I would like to head out there and help out I didn’t hesitate.
“I went to school at Scots PGC (in Warwick) from Grade 8 to Grade 12 so I’ve got a lot of friends from out that way.”
Bass and Ono will join the convoy after training this morning with 20 cases of water donated by Coca-Cola.
Helensvale Hogs events manager Melanie Pearson, who is co-ordinating the water run, said seeing the community rally together to help the farmers was heartwarming.
“We’ve had people who aren’t even affiliated with the club come down to donate water,” Ms Pearson said.
“We even had a lady from the Helensvale Hornets rugby league team come out to drop off water.
“We had 1.23 tonnes on Thursday but donations are still coming through and we’re expecting more on Saturday morning, so hopefully we can hit the 1.5 mark.
“We’ve invited the Warwick Water Rats to play a preseason game at Hogs and we’ll try take another convoy back with them after the game.”