Marli Davies was watching TV when she saw a segment about how women were coping with the drought in NSW: feeding the cattle, making meals, getting the kids to and from school and offering emotional support to her husband.
So the 83-year-old from Wentworth Falls went to a $2 shop, bought some little cellophane bags, then spread the word for small gifts that might help “pamper” farmers’ wives.
“One hundred and 35 little packs have gone west already and my little villa here looks like a warehouse,” she said.
Blackheath Probus Club members contributed, as did pharmacies at Wentworth Falls, Leura and Blackheath, generously giving hand cream, shampoo, nail polish and lipsticks. Some have donated jewellery and the Hattery in Katoomba handed her some beautiful silk scarves.
Anything that doesn’t fit the bill she has donated to a local jumble sale; the rest she has made into individual parcels. The hall is lined with containers full of made-up packages and her spare bedroom filled with boxes of goodies.
“I just felt there was a need for somebody to pamper and look after the women,” she said, admitting that “once I decide to do something, I keep going”.
Ms Davies contacted the CWA head office, which has put her in touch with local branches where people are doing it tough. She has already delivered parcels to Orange, Molong, Cumnock, Yeoval and Blayney. A friend took some to Condobolin, another is delivering to Cowra and Ms Davies is planning a round trip from the Mountains to Dunedoo, Cassilis, Merriwa and Scone.
Even if the rains come, she still believes there are plenty of women out there who would get a little boost knowing that someone was thinking of them. If anyone would like to donate some pampering gifts, there is a box at the Gazette’s office at 274 Macquarie Road, Springwood. The goods will be delivered to Ms Davies.
