Much of the money was donated to Drought Angels, which is a charity which provides personalised and discreet assistance to farmers in need as well as feed, food and other essentials, but Ashcroft’s IGA also donated to Aussie Helpers.

Owner and manager Ian Ashcroft said the store and its customers had donated $35,000 over the past few months to help alleviate the affects of “the worst drought” of the past four decades. 

“Our customers love helping people and we like being able to help people so we've donated $35,000 to Aussie Helpers over the past three or four months, so with our customers and what we do,” Mr Ashcroft said.

“We’re really proud of all our customers in the network.” 

Customers were able to buy a $2 sticker, which Ashcrofts arranged into shapes along the wall such as rain clouds and water cans, while people could also donate non-perishables. 

He said Drought Angels were doing “fantastic work”. 

“It is important that donations get to the right people as quickly as possible. The great thing about Drought Angels is that the money will be collected and allocated on a weekly basis, making people’s ongoing support crucial,” Mr Ashcroft said.

Support for charities from Ashcroft’s IGA was built on the back of the community’s generosity, and he wasn’t surprised people continued to donate. 

“I’m not surprised because I know how fantastic customers are in Orange, we have a great community, the best community anywhere,” he said. 

“It’s not surprising [they keep donating] because they keep doing it all the time … people really care in Orange, they’ve got great community spirit.”