Valerie Ward is hoping to inspire others to raise money for struggling farmers while belting out tunes for shoppers this weekend.
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Valerie is aiming to raise $1000 at Woolworths’ Young store on Saturday morning while busking for as long as she feels like.
Last week she soothed shoppers’ ears with an array of country, easy listening and folksy music including songs by Creedence, The Eagles and John Newton.
“They were so pleased with what I presented and everyone was so generous that I’ll be doing it at the store on Saturday morning,” she said.
Valerie felt “touched” reading stories of people helping farmers, and decided to do the same.
She’s been busking for about 10 years but only picked up a musical instrument when she was 50 years of age.
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She’s busked at various community markets since moving to Young 12 months ago from South Australia.
“I was inspired by the stories I’ve read about people trying to help. I thought I can do something myself,” she said.
“I thought doing this might inspire other people to do anything they can to help as well.”
Valerie has no real connection with any farmers on the land battling the drought.
She said she just wants to help, and doing what she loves is an easy way to make a difference.
“Busking is a great way of playing with distractions happening and you meet so many lovely people. It’s amazing the people you meet. I’ve met David Campbell’s grandfather and I’ve met an Elvis impersonator,” she said.
During the past 12 months, Valerie’s fallen in love with Young so much it’s rubbed off on her sister who has also recently relocated.
“I just love the town, and she loves it too,” she said.
“I’m aiming to make $1000 at least, but if that’s easy I’ll keep going.”
Royce Rumble of Woolworths Young said the store is pleased to welcome Valerie and her support of Buy A Bale.
Everything she raises adds to the store’s total.
He said the Young store on its own has raised about $4000 for the foundation.
Valerie will be at the store from 10am.