Rain may have fallen in the Eurobodalla Shire, but drought-stricken farmers in western NSW are still doing it tough and the Red Cross has appealed for funds to help families make ends meet.

To the rescue last week came Kate Kavanagh, 13, and her trusty hound Anney.

“On Saturday (August 26), my mum, my puppy Anney and I got permission from the Village Centre to raise money for the farmers in drought,” Kate said.

“It was a donation for a pat of Anney.”

Plenty of shoppers were keen to apply pats.

“My goal was to raise $20 overall, but we ended up raising $266.40 in the three hours we were there,” Kate said.

“I would just like to thank everybody who donated.

“Everyone was so encouraging and supportive of the idea.

“All funds have gone to the farmers.”