Sydney to Canberra Walk for Farmers aiming to raise $250,000 for Aussie Helpers Ltd
Sreeni Pillamarri is readying to walk 380km from Sydney to Canberra to help raise money for our drought-stricken farmers
Hills Shire
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Sreeni Pillamarri is a proud Australian.
The Cherrybrook local migrated to Australia from India in 1998 and immediately fell in love with his new home.
Twenty years later Mr Pillamarri is gearing up to repay the kindness shown to him by the Australian community with a 380km walk from Sydney to Canberra to raise money for drought-stricken farmers.
The Walk for Farmers will see a group of five to seven people set off from Parramatta Town Hall on Saturday and trek through Campbelltown, Bowral, Moss Vale and Goulburn before arriving in the nation’s capital by Monday, October 1.
Mr Pillamarri has been a community volunteer since arriving in Australia and is president of the United Indian Associations and a board member of West Pennant Hills Cherrybrook Cricket Club.
“The idea for the Walk for Farmers came two months ago, when (the UIA) raised $5000 for NSW Farmers and presented it during the Mateship Fair in Parramatta in August,” Mr Pillamarri said.
“However we felt that was not enough and clearly something needed to be done to give attention to the farming community at large.
“The purpose of this initiative is to morally and financially support the farmers of NSW who are currently facing one of their worst ever droughts.
“The team plans to collect donations from both the Indian diaspora and Australian community to support the Australian farmers.”
Mr Pillamarri said the walk aims to raise $250,000 for Aussie Helpers Ltd.
“Australians have always been proud of their farming community,” he said.
“Feeling strongly for them and helping them in their challenging times will hasten their recovery.
“It’s about giving back to those who help you put food on the table — literally.”
For information on how to donate, visit the event’s Facebook page here.