The money was raised at Aquis' third annual Queensland Stallion Parade last
Sunday and at the Aquis Race Day at Muswellbrook on Tuesday.Aquis CEO Shane McGrath said the company was not surprised by the generosity of its friends in the racing industry.
"The racing and farming industries have always had a close affinity and many of the staff at Aquis have seen first-hand the devastating impact of the current drought," he said. "We wanted to do something that could make a real difference to those that need it."
"We have not been surprised by the generosity of the many supporters who put their hands in their pockets at the stallion parade and at Muswellbrook."
"Hopefully, these funds can help ease the pressure for some of our friends in the bush."
The annual stallion parade at the company's Canungra property last Sunday attracted more than 1,000 visitors and guests who donated nearly $3,000 in cash, which was matched by Aquis. An auction of donated items, including a nomination with Aquis' popular stallion Husson, a day at the races at Aquis Park (Gold Coast Turf Club) and dinner on a private yacht; helped raise a further $27,250.
Together the day raised $33,044.90 that was donated to Drought Angels. The "little charity with big hearts", Drought Angels supports Australian farmers and their rural communities with meaningful and personalised assistance including food hampers, care packs, prepaid visas, local store vouchers, stock feed and hay.
The annual parade at Aquis' Canungra property is one of the highlights of the Queensland breeding industry with more than 1000 guests enjoying the beautiful surrounds, incredible stallions and great hospitality. Aquis' News South Wales parade will be held at the company's Hunter Valley property this weekend (August 24-26).
The generosity of the racing industry was also on display the Muswellbrook Race Day on Tuesday where the Aquis-sponsored country TAB meeting raised $27,000. The funds raised will go to support the Lions Clubs' Need for Feed Project that delivers much-needed hay to struggling farmers.
Aquis partnered with racing and media identity Richard Callander at the meet, providing him with $2,500 to punt with on each race, with all earnings and stakes donated to the need for feed project. Glen Munsie, on behalf of the TAB and Sky Sports Racing, guaranteed any shortfall to the sum of $20,000. Donations from owners on the day took the total raised to $27,000.
