A COMMITTED group of Millicent volunteers has presented a $24,000 donation to the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS).
The annual donation takes the group’s total contribution to the life-saving service to more than $400,000 over the past 22 years.
RFDS Millicent and District Support Group president John Chalmers said the RFDS lands twice a day in the South East to airlift a patient to Adelaide for life-saving surgery or specialist medical treatment.
“Everyone in the area knows somebody who has been flown by the RFDS – it is such a vital service and you never know when it might be you or a loved one who will need the Flying Doctor,” he said.
“I would like to thank each and every member of the RFDS Millicent and District Support Group – all of whom are volunteers – and our local community for their generous donations and unwavering support of our fundraising efforts throughout the year.”
Mr Chalmers presented the cheque for $24,000 to RFDS Central Operations volunteer coordinator Lindy Allchurch at the group’s annual general meeting at the Millicent Uniting Church Hall on Tuesday.
Mr Chalmers tabled a comprehensive report on his group’s activities over the past year.
“The commitment and dedication of the RFDS Millicent and District Support Group – matched by the generosity of the local community – will help us continue to save lives, when and where it is needed most,” Ms Allchurch said at the meeting.
“The RFDS has been saving lives for 90 years.
“Today, RFDS crews perform 15 aeromedical evacuations throughout South Australia every day – and night – of the year.”
Ms Allchurch said the donation would directly benefit the RFDS capital-raising program for the replacement of RFDS “flying intensive care units” – at a cost of more than $7m each.
“On behalf of everyone at RFDS – and the thousands of South Australians we airlift every year – we offer our heartfelt thanks for your hard work and service to your local community.”
