Fundraising by a group of mostly Sydney-based young professionals has brought in more than $100,000 to help drought affected communities.

The Rainy Day Foundation, which recently held its launch event in Sydney, attracting 400 guests, was set up to address the lack of awareness of the drought’s impact in metropolitan Sydney and also raise funds for affected families.

Committee president, Roz Escott-Gregory, said the support of rural organisations such as NSW DPI and NSW Farmers Association helped educate city guests about the drought’s impact.

“We have been overwhelmed with the support we have received, and look forward to working with our rural partners and to staging a range of education and fund raising events in coming months,” she said.

“We want to say a huge thanks to all the people who supported our launch event through donation of auction items, purchasing prizes on the night and even simply by attending.”

Former Condobolin farmer and now popular singer, Shannon Noll, the foundation’s Ambassador, said it was vital city people be given the chance to support their country counterparts.

“It is really important to farmers that city people try to understand how tough things are,” he said.

“They don’t want sympathy, they just want people to have a bit of understanding about what it means when it doesn’t rain for months on end.”

NSW Farmers Association president and keynote speaker at the event, Jock Laurie applauded the Rainy Day initiative.

“Events like this make a huge start to us better understanding, and better able to help each other in tough times,” he said.

Guests were also encouraged to support rural communities by buying NSW food produce, visiting regional areas, or by making donations through the Commonwealth Bank.

Visit the Rainy Day website www.rainyday.org.au