A group of Irish friends living in Brisbane are planning to do a Christmas drought run to help farmers in the Southern Downs.

Organiser Richard Lenihan said: “Australia is currently facing its worst drought to date and farmers in rural towns will face their toughest summer yet, if it doesn’t rain in the next few months.

“So, we as a group of friends living in Brisbane, together with your help, have decided we want to help where we can this Christmas.”

The group will concentrate their efforts around the town of Stanthorpe which is facing a critical water shortage.

Richard added: “We are going straight to the front lines, personally handing out donations from a dedicated collection yard and heading out to a few farms that are doing it worst, meeting with the farmers first-hand and seeing the affects of this drought with our own eyes.

“We are going ensure that every single cent raised raised and donations made are going straight to those doing it extra tough.”

If you would like to help, you can donate at the group’s Go Fund Me! page here.

The group is also looking for local businesses to come forward with their services. They are looking for trucks, trailers or work utes, plus drivers, to cart supplies on a Saturday from Brisbane to Stanthorpe. They also need donations of water and animal fodder, as well as gift cards which can be distributed to needy families.

For more information, go to the group’s Facebook page here.