A DEDICATED group of Millicent volunteers has recently presented a $40,000 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 $450,000 since its formation in 1998.
Outgoing Royal Flying Doctor Service Millicent and District Support Group president John Chalmers presented the donation 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.
He said the Millicent members were pleased to help purchase a new $13m jet for the RFDS.
“The RFDS lands in Millicent at least once a week to airlift a patient to Adelaide for life-saving surgery or specialist medical treatment,” Mr Chalmers said.
After 14 years in the chair, Mr Chalmers has handed over the leadership role to his vice-president Ken Haines.
Mr Haines association with the aero-medical service started a decade ago when he suffered a heart attack at his Rendelsham farm.
“I was flown from Millicent to Adelaide by the RFDS and that is why I am here today,” Mr Haines said.
As part of the formalities, certificates of appreciation for long service were presented to Mr Chalmers and John Clarke.
Ms Allchurch praised the commitment and dedication of the RFDS Millicent and District Support Group and the generosity of the local community.
She said the donation would directly benefit the flying doctors’ capital-raising program for the replacement of flying intensive care units with the next due in 2020.
“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,” Ms Allchurch said.
