RIVERLAND volunteers presented Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) representatives with a $55,000 donation at a meeting in Berri last week.
The RFDS Riverland Support Group raised the funds through a series of local events and raffles held over the past year, including a Melbourne Cup luncheon, golf day in Loxton, and a Caledonian night attended by over 200 people.
RFDS Riverland Support Group president Alan Eckermann said although COVID-19 restrictions had impacted on fundraising activities, the group was “very pleased” to be able to support the RFDS.
“While COVID-19 restrictions have affected some of our recent fundraising activities, we’ve been very pleased to continue our support of an organisation that makes an impact in the Riverland every day,” he said.
“Access to specialist and emergency care for regional residents is essential. The Flying Doctor provides this to the Riverland and all other South Australians.”
Mr Eckermann presented the donation to RFDS volunteer fundraising specialist Lindy Allchurch at the Riverland Support Group annual general meeting last Thursday.
Ms Allchurch said the group had raised more than $700,000 for the RFDS since it began in 1991.
“On behalf of everyone at RFDS, we thank our Riverland Support Group for their outstanding service to their local community,” she said.
Donations from the group have directly contributed to the purchase of life-saving equipment, including the world’s first purpose-built aeromedical jet which has made four landings in Renmark in one year of service.
The Flying Doctor makes one to two landings in Renmark each day, two per week in Waikerie, and about one per week in Loxton.
To get involved with the Royal Flying Doctor Service Riverland Support Group, call Riverland Support Group president Alan Eckermann on 0427 955 124.