On 5 March, RFDS SA/NT held its annual Double Up for the Doc Day with the goal to raise $300,000 in just 12 hours to fit out a new aircraft due to join its aeromedical fleet.
Just as RFDS crews answer the call, our partners, donors and supporters rose to the occasion – together raising a remarkable $500,000.
This achievement was made possible by generous dollar-matching partners – Elders, S. Kidman & Co and MGA Whittles Group of Companies, who jointly donated $120,000 in matching funds. IGA contributed an additional $20,000 to help reach the ambitious goal.
“We were absolutely blown away by the generosity shown this year – we received donations from city to country, which were then matched by our incredible dollar-matching partners. It really highlights what the Flying Doctor means to people and how important the service is,” RFDS SA/NT Fundraising Manager, Anthea Rice said.
“Every 20 minutes, someone in South Australia and the Northern Territory is assisted by the RFDS – be it an aeromedical retrieval, transfer from a country to a major hospital, an appointment with one of our doctors or dentists… and so much more.
“Thanks to Double Up for the Doc Day, our newest aircraft will be able to take to the sky with vital medical equipment such as ventilators, monitors, portable blood testing devices, portable ultrasound kits – everything required to help the Flying Doctor save lives.”
While supported by government, the RFDS relies heavily on fundraising and donations from the community to purchase and medically-equip its aircraft, and to finance other major capital initiatives and advancements in care.
Learn more about the Flying Doctor.
