AN Upper Hunter horse stud is doing all it can to help those who are struggling on the land at the moment.
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And, the community of Rouchel appears to be the major beneficiary.
Kia Ora recently joined forces with the Aberdeen Lions Club to assist drought-affected farmers in the region.
The breeding facility not only supplied a fair amount of hay, but also handed over a generous donation to the hard-working organisation.
"It's a fantastic effort [what they did]," Aberdeen Lions Club president Bob Dixon said.
"Two locals, Michael Andrews and Ross Lawrence, then carted it around the [Rouchel] area - everyone received about 30 bales each.
"Every little bit helps in these tough times.
"That's why we've put on this barbecue breakfast [on Tuesday]; it's our way of saying thanks.
"A few ladies also brought along cakes, which we appreciate, too.
"We've been fundraising for a while, with many Lions clubs banding together.
"A group from Morisset even donated money to us and Scone last week."
Kia Ora general manager Bob Rose said the stud was more than happy to be involved.
"Aberdeen [Lions] originally touched base with us, explaining the program they were running and saying they were short of hay," he explained.
"So, we gave them a cash donation to start with.
"We also make our own hay here - and we were able to spare some as well.
"Lions do a really good job but we didn't expect the 'thank you' breakfast this morning.
"It's a wonderful gesture.
"However, our owner Ananda Krishnan is very community-minded.
"He's fully-supportive of the annual music camp in Scone, too."
Meanwhile, an early Christmas party will take place at the Rouchel Recreation Ground on Saturday, November 30, from 4pm.
"It's a chance for people to enjoy a festive get-together," Mr Dixon said.
"There'll be old-time games, like three-legged races, to ensure plenty of fun."
