Media Release

Willie Smith’s is partnering with venues across the east coast to raise funds for CWA NSW Drought Aid fund.

With summer on the horizon and the drought showing no signs of abating, Willie Smith’s Cider Makers are partnering with a host of venues on the east coast to raise funds with the release of a special batch, Cider for Drought Aid.

Collectively Willie Smith’s and partner pubs, breweries and bars in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane will donate $2 from each of the Drought Aid ciders sold to the CWA New South Wales’ Drought Aid fund.

The fundraising drive will launch this Sunday 4 November, with the first Cider for Drought Aid kegs tapped and a live auction held at Willie Smith’s Apple Shed in the Huon Valley, Tasmania.

“It dawned on me that we needed to do something more after watching the recent 4 Corners report on the severity of the drought. Realising that farmers, and the communities they live in, had lost a whole seasons income and that the ramifications of the drought would be biting hard well beyond the doubt finally breaking.”

“The report documented the amazing work the CWA, a huge network of volunteers, are doing and their focus on supporting the farming and agricultural communities they live in,” said Sam Reid, Willie Smith’s Co-Founder and Managing Director.

The Cider Makers hope to raise more than $15,000 from the auction and sales of the cider through the Apple Shed and partner venues.

“We are very grateful for this support and look forward to being able to assist even more families,” Annette Turner, CWA NSW State President said.

The Drought Aid grants are designed to help people with the household needs and expenses they have right now – assisting with household expenses such as groceries, vehicle maintenance, school, electricity, dental and medical bills.

Fourth generation apple orchardist and Willie Smith’s Co-Founder Andrew Smith said “Mother nature plays a big part in any farmers life. We’re just happy to help where we can”.

“I’m hoping that not only can we raise a significant amount of money for these great charities but also highlight the opportunity for people to donate directly to the CWA fund, who ensure money raised goes directly to supporting farmers and the communities they live in through this awful, challenging time,” continued Mr Reid.

Donations can be made directly to CWA NSW Drought Aid.

PARTNER VENUES POURING CIDER FOR DROUGHT AID

VIC Stomping Ground Brewery The Local Taphouse Carwyn Cellars Heartbreaker Bar The Lincoln Hotel Cherry Tree Hotel

TAS Willie Smith’s Apple Shed

NSW Royal Albert The Welcome Bitter Phew The Tudor Hotel

QLD The Mill Brewski Tippler’s Tap Netherworld

CIDER FOR DROUGHT AID EVENT

Live auction at Willie Smith’s Apple Shed on Sunday 4 November 12pm – 4pm, Sunday 4 November.

For a full list of items please visit here.

Donating Businesses:

Ratho Farm Huon Aquaculture Bernie Central Townhouse Belgrove Distillery McHenry’s Gin Cygnet Folk Festival Sullivans Cove Apartments Moo Brew Tahune Airwalk Pennicott Wilderness Journeys Guy Paramore Designs Spring Bay Distillery Old Kempton Distillery Hartshorn Sheep Whey Distillery Home Hill Fat Pig Farm Lark Distillery Bruny Island Cheese Grandvewe Cheeses Eden Pantry