The Seven and Nine Networks have joined efforts to assist struggling Aussie farmers this week. An onslaught of comments on Facebook and Twitter encouraged them to contribute money to farmers who are experiencing a record low rainfall count and deadly drought. The networks have announced multiple different initiatives to assist the cause.

Nicole Conley kickstarted the social media storm last week. In her post to the Sunrise Facebook page, she attached a photo of a drought-stricken farm, calling the network to action.

“I challenge you to ‘call a drought affected Aussie Farmer’ each day for the next month to give away the $10,000 Cash Cow prize to help lift spirits of the struggling back bone of Australia,” she said in the caption.

15 thousand comments, and 64 thousand shares later, Sunrise pledged to donate $10,000 a day to the farmers through their Cash Cow segment. In the segment, hosts David Koch and Samantha Armytage call a randomly selected phone number and give away money to the caller if they answer the phone. This segment will now be used to donate much-needed funds to farmers and their families, after struggling through the drought for over a year.

Social media pressure caused the Nine network show, Today, to follow in their competitor’s footsteps. On Wednesday, hosts Karl Stefanovic and Georgie Gardner launched the 2018 Drought Relief Fund for Farmers.

“We heard loud and clear that Australians wanted to open their hearts and their wallets to support our farmers,” Stefanovic said during the broadcast.

“Right now, these farmers are doing it tough and they deserve our help.”

The Fund will donate money to relief organisations who are helping the efforts to relieve pressure stress off the farmers.

More information on how to donate to these farmers, head to the Rural Aid website, or Rotary Australia.

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