IGA backs Holly the Holstein
Holly the Holstein Author Russell Smith (L) with
IGA Maud St Grocer Store Manager Rob Cook (R).
IGA stores across South East QLD and NSW have picked up the 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 dairy section of IGA locations across Maroochydore including Marketplace Wises Road and Maud Street Grocer on the Sunshine Coast, QLD.
The book is also stocked in IGAs across Brisbane including Marketplace Milton, New Farm, St Lucia and Ascot as well as their sister store The Hawthorne Garage.
All proceeds are donated to the Mid Coast Dairy Advancement Group to help provide relief for dairy farmers who were devastated by this year’s flood.
HG Retail’s Managing Director, Raelene Hopper said the retail group will always support local farmers in as many ways as possible.
“With the book proceeds being donated directly to support the dairy flood victims, stocking the book was an easy decision for us” said Ms Hopper.
Hasting Cooperative have also signed on to stock ‘Holly’ in their four IGA outlets in the Hastings region (Wauchope, NSW) and in October will host a media event to promote the book.
The book’s Author Russell Smith said the event will promote their partnership with local dairy farmers in a bid to help raise funds to assist them in their recovery from the flood.
“I think it’s fantastic! It’s a sign of support for local dairy farmers” said Mr Smith.
He said the book carries a significant educational message about the importance of the dairy industry and self-worth.
The book’s characters and setting are all inspired by a local QLD dairy farmer and some HA members may recognise the illustrations as Holstein Australia members Colin Daly and his family from Millaa Millaa in FNQ.
Maud Street Grocer Store Manager Rob Cook said the fact the book was written by a local author helped seal the deal.
“With Russell being a local author and given the importance of the message to our business, we felt that our customers would really get behind this cause” said Mr Cook.
The book has raised more than six thousand dollars to the Mid Coast DAGs since its release on the 28th of May 2020 and the fundraising goal is to reach $10,000 by Christmas.
You can buy a hard copy of the book in the listed stores for $15 and online including audio copies at www.hollytheholstein.com