Increased support from the agribusiness sector in recent years has helped the Royal Flying Doctor Service meet its annual fundraising target of more than $7.5 million alone in SA and the NT.
According to RFDS Central Operations general manager of marketing and public relations Charlie Paterson, the fundraising received through valued donors, bequestors, corporate sponsors, community fundraisers and volunteers is vital.
“Without the support of the community we would not be able to provide the state-of-the-art fleet of aircraft, with modern medical equipment and highly trained skilled staff which are available 24 hours, seven days a week, throughout south and central Australia,” Mr Paterson said.
“We regard our supporters as members of our ‘ground crew’ and every donation, whether large or small, is equally important.
“The support we receive enables us to bridge the shortfall in our operational funding, and to generate the funds we need to replace our ageing aircraft, purchase medical equipment and upgrade our facilities.”
Mr Paterson said with the recovery of economic conditions in recent years, corporate agribusiness support had increased.
“Whatever your business size, there are numerous ways to support the RFDS including straight organisational sponsorship or as a sponsor of one of our major fundraising events,” he said.
Many companies are also encouraging their staff to donate to the RFDS through a pre-tax payroll deduction program, with employee donations often matched dollar for dollar by the business.
Mr Paterson said MGA Whittles Group of Companies is a classic example of a loyal, long-term corporate supporter, providing direct donations and as a joint major sponsor of the annual ‘Wings for Life’ gala Ball in Adelaide for the past decade.
We are also blessed to have an army of more than 800 volunteers throughout SA and Alice Springs, NT.
- CHARLIE PATERSON
“MGA Whittles Group of Companies also supports and encourages its branches and staff to fundraise on our behalf and has introduced us to other new businesses who are now supporting, as a result of the advocacy of MGA,” he said.
CMV Trucks in Adelaide is a significant supporter of RFDS community fundraising events including being a major sponsor of the OZ Outback Odyssey, which raises more than $150,000 annually.
“They are also a sponsor of the rejuvenated Burra Picnic Races so they are empowering local communities by giving sponsorship and seed funding to successfully conduct their fundraising events which increases their donation four and five-fold,” he said.
“We are also blessed to have an army of more than 800 volunteers throughout SA and Alice Springs, NT, comprising 24 volunteers’ support groups that collectively raise more than $800,000 every year towards our fundraising goal.
“It is an amazing contribution by these volunteers who are not only running fundraising activities in their local towns but are also terrific ambassadors for the RFDS.”