AN unlikely partnership between a television personality and a rural charity aims to help support drought-stricken farmers in need.
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Mick Gould from Married At First Sight teamed up with Hang With a Star, Australia's first online platform that gives the public a chance to literally hang out with their favourite star while raising funds for a celebrity's charity of choice.
For as little as $10 fans can donate to Hang With A Star where their donation will go into the draw to win the celebrity experience and money raised will go to the rural charity.
Wayne Thomson, Rural Aid general manager said the Gympie farmer knows first-hand the plight of rural communities doing it tough.
"And he hoped his new public image could be used to help a cause," he said. "It's come together quiet nicely. I caught up with Mick a couple of weeks ago, he's a lovely guy...."
Mr Thomson said any amount of money will help farmers affected by the drought.
Speaking to Australian Community Media, Mr Thomson recounted a story of when a young rural mother rang him and asked how she could a Rural Aid supermarket gift voucher.
Upon learning that she could use it however she likes, Mr Thomson said she burst into tears and told him that her family have been living on food hampers and haven't been able to eat fresh fruit or vegetables for nine months.
Mr Thomson hopes that the partnership with Mick will help people in metropolitan areas understand that just because some regions have received rain the drought has not broken.
"Mick is one of those that said 'it (the drought) is not over. It's still there and if anything the need is greater in some areas.
"The drought is not over it's still here and in some cases it's become a green drought."
Mr Thomson said people want to help they just don't know how.
"Something simple like this... people can get in and have a bit of fun but every single cent goes to helping somebody," he said.
One lucky person and their friend will be flown into Sydney for a day with Mick on September, 1, 2019.
The prize package includes return airfares for two, accommodation in a four star hotel, an exclusive lunch with Mick and VIP tickets to a boat party on Sydney Harbour.
To find out more please visit www.hangwithastar.com