IGA stores in the Mid North Coast, NSW have picked up children's picture book Holly the Holstein in an effort to support Australian dairy farmers.
The book, which donates all proceeds to dairy farmers, is now available in the IGA locations, Sovereign Hills, Wauchope, Timbertown and Port Macquarie Gordon Street.
The money is being donated to the Mid Coast Dairy Advancement Group (DAG), to help provide relief for dairy farmers who were devastated by the 2021 floods.
Hastings Co-op community and business development manager, Tim Walker said the cooperative retail group will always support local farmers in as many ways as possible.
"With the book's proceeds being donated directly to support the dairy flood victims, stocking the book was an easy decision for us," Mr Walker said.
"The Hastings Co-op has a proud history with dairy farmers dating back to the late 1800s, so for us this was a perfect partnership."
The book's author Russell Smith was excited about the decision.
"I think it's fantastic! It's a further sign of how IGA supports local Hastings's dairy farmers," Mr Smith said.
He said the book carries a significant educational message about the importance of the dairy industry and self-worth.
The book's characters are inspired by Russell Smith's best friend from primary school, who is still farming in Far North Queensland.
Wauchope IGA Supermarket manager Carol Leach said the fact the book's profits were being donated to help local farmers helped seal the deal.
"With the book's profits going to help local farmers and given the importance of the message to our business, we felt that our customers would really get behind this cause," Mrs Leach said.
The book has raised more than $7000 for the Mid Coast DAG since its release on May 28, 2021, with the fundraising goal being $10,000 by Christmas.
You can purchase a copy of the book in the listed stores for $15.
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