The RFDS Near and Far Volunteer Auxiliary presented our Cairns crew with a $50,000 donation — including $30,000 fundraised by the Auxiliary over the past year and an anonymous $20,000 donation which they collected on behalf of a North Queensland family.
The funds will benefit the Cairns and Townsville RFDS bases.
RFDS Near and Far Volunteer Auxiliary President Brenda Agius said the funds had been raised by various means, including clearance garage sales, street stalls and raffles, as well as the FNQ Rotary Field Days event.
“We also have donation tins stationed right across the region, in locations such as Charters Towers, Forsayth, Georgetown and Mount Surprise, for example,” she said.
“Several Auxiliary members make a 700-kilometre round trip annually to collect the donation tins. As our name suggests, we are well supported, near and far.”
RFDS Chief Executive Officer Meredith Staib said the donation would aid the purchase of equipment such as monitors and vaccine rated coolers to ship vaccines, as well as mental health resources.
“I’d like to thank the RFDS Near and Far Volunteer Auxiliary for their extraordinary efforts to raise vital funds for the Flying Doctor,” she said.
“The RFDS relies heavily on our generous fundraisers and supporters, whose incredible work ensures we can continue delivering a range of healthcare services to regional, rural and remote Queensland.
“This donation by the RFDS Near and Far Volunteer Auxiliary will help ensure our staff have the necessary equipment and supplies to deliver the finest care to the furthest corner of the state.”
