Perth business man Ben Pollard has been a regular giver to the RFDS since 2015.
Like many, Ben’s motivation is all about doing good for the community through RFDS – particularly for its work in helping mining workers and communities.
The 40-year-old Director of Cadre Geology and Mining manages the provision of geological consulting and contracting services to the global mining industry.
He also co-owns a remote cattle station in Laverton, nestled in the far northern Goldfields, and said his work takes him to some of Western Australia’s most isolated locations.
Soon after starting his geology consulting business in 2015, Ben said he felt it was “pertinent” to register as a regular giver with the RFDS.
“We work off the grid where we have to use a generator for power and satellite phones for communication,” he said.
“With the nature of the work we do, if anything were to happen, we have that peace of mind that the RFDS is there.
“If the RFDS wasn’t available in Western Australia, I can imagine people would be hesitant to work in isolated areas where work opportunities are available.”
Most recently, while working as part of a cattle mustering team on the station, Ben witnessed first-hand the life-saving work of the RFDS after a contractor was gored in the thigh by a bull after a momentary slip-up.
“The experience really cemented in my mind the need to support the RFDS, that my contributions are ensuring the service is available well into the future for the benefit of all West Australians.”
CEO Rebecca Tomkinson said the RFDS, Australia’s most trusted charity, relies on the regular ongoing support of Western Australians to deliver its service across the entire state.
“Over the next four years, we will be actively seeking support of our regular giving program to support the growth of fleet and expansion of service delivery,” Ms Tomkinson said.
“As a regular giver to charities myself, I find it’s easier to just set and forget and have a nice surprise at tax time.”
To learn more about the RFDS Western Operations Regular Giving Program or to make a regular monthly gift, please call (08) 9417 6400 or email fundraise@rfdswa.com.au
