A SOUTHEND man has stunned the Royal Flying Doctor Service after donating hundreds of thousands of dollars to the charity.
Retired cray fisherman George Osis has given back to the aeromedical organisation that has saved his life through a massive $250,000 contribution.
Mr Osis said he was inspired to donate to the flying doctors after using the service on two occasions, most recently last month.
“The first time I used the flying doctors was when I had blood poisoning and the second time was when I was brought back from Flinders after heart operations,” he said.
“Besides myself, most of my family has had to use the flying doctors.
“It’s a worthy cause and I think it is important in the country because it is saving lives.
“I thought it was important to donate to the flying doctor service because a few of my friends and relatives have needed them.”
The community minded fishing veteran said his altruism began in his early days in the industry.
“I’ve donated to the flying doctors for a long time because I appreciate what they do for everyone,” he said.
“I’ve been fortunate enough to be able to let the donation go because it is part of the interest from my main money,” Mr Osis said.
“I hope it can help save more lives.”
Mr Osis’ gesture is one of the single largest philanthropic donations the flying doctors have received in the South East in recent times.
Royal Flying Doctor Service Central Operations general manager marketing and public relations Charlie Paterson said the “amazing gesture” would assist transforming the flying doctors’ newest plan into a flying intensive care unit.
“We have just taken ownership of a Swiss aircraft and are in the process of medically fitting it out, so George’s donation will be used straight away,” he said.
“It costs around $600,000 to medically fit out aircraft.
“George’s support has almost fit out the entire aircraft, which will make two flights a day for the next 13 or 14 years.”
The $7m aircraft, Zulu is the ninth addition to the South Australian-based fleet.
