Helping those with a need for feed

Shepparton couple Katrina Aloe and Shawn Frappell have been transporting truckloads of hay to fire-affected farmers in the upper Murray region.Ms Aloe and Mr Frappell, from S & K Oaten Hay, have been donating their own hay and collecting more from Kialla, Ardmona and east Shepparton to transport to farmers affected by fires last month.Ms Aloe said on Saturday, January 11 they picked up 36 round bales from her parents, Cathy and Tony Aloe, as well as hay contractor and friend Nico Romano, to deliver to Corryong.“I had family members in Gippsland that lost their homes and property, so that inspired me to help those in need for feed,” she said.“It was scary having family from East Gippsland, mum’s sister lost two cars and a shed and my mum’s nephew lost everything.“My heart and hands go out to these people.”Mr Frappell, a transport tuck contractor and farmer, volunteered his pride and joy — a 1985 W900 model Kenworth truck — to the cause, driving loads of hay out of the Goulburn Valley.On Friday, January 17, the couple picked up hay from the «« well known »» Mercuri family farm at Harston, with Leocata's Transport donating its trailer for the convoy heading out to West Wyalong in NSW.Ms Aloe said her phone was running hot with people asking for hay, but donations had been drying up.“People are asking for a lot of hay and are desperately singing out for help with drought and bushfires, so if there are people who want to donate, please don't think twice,” she said.To donate or request hay, phone Katrina Aloe on 0408 666 041.