Helensvale Hogs deliver 1.5 tonnes of water to Warwick farmers

“People focus on rugby as a sport but for us it’s more than that, it’s who we are. The game brought us together but the crisis is the real focus,” Helensvale Hogs’ Melanie Pearson said.

The plight of drought-stricken farmers in regional Queensland has inspired members of the Helensvale Hogs rugby club into action.

Members of the club have launched a partnership with the Warwick Water Rats rugby club to deliver water and non-perishable food items to those who need it most.

The Helensvale Hogs convoy delivered 1.5 tonnes of water to the Warwick Water Rats rugby club to distribute around the drought-affected area. Picture: Supplied

Helensvale led their first convoy to Warwick in September, delivering food and 1.5 tonnes of water, but are already planning a bigger trip in December.

“We’re going to be taking out some Christmas presents as well this time,” initiative coordinator Melanie Pearson said.

“Hopefully we can brighten up Christmas for the kids but also the mums and dads who are doing it tough trying to put everything together during a stressful time of the year.”

Water restrictions are in place because the Leslie Dam is at 5% capacity. Picture: Supplied

The convoy departs on December 9 but donations from the wider community are already streaming in to the club’s Helensvale headquarters.

“The way the community has embraced this idea really does blow me away,” Ms Pearson said.

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“People focus on rugby as a sport but for us it’s more than that, it’s who we are.

“The game brought us together (with the Warwick rugby club) but the crisis is the real focus.”

For information on how to donate presents, water or food, head to Helensvale Hogs rugby club on facebook.

Helensvale Hogs donated 1.5 tonnes of water to the Warwick Water Rats rugby club to distribute around the drought-affected area. Picture: Supplied.