The Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter received a $25,000 boost to the Service’s end of financial year fundraising drive following a donation from the Knappick Foundation last week.
Foundation Director, retired Coorabell resident, David Knappick, said he decided to make the donation from his Foundation because he recognised how vital the rescue helicopter service was to the North Coast (Northern Rivers) community.
“I’ve got children and grand-children living here and it gives me comfort having this service here,” Mr Knappick said.
General Manager of the Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter, Kris Beavis, welcomed the significant support.
“We are very grateful for this generous donation from the Knappick Foundation,” Mr Beavis said.
“We rely heavily on the generosity of the community and business/corporate sector who help fund over 60 per cent of our annual $6.5m operating budget.”
The Knappick Foundation’s donation comes just a month after the Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter received its largest donation ever of $50,000 from Dr Tom Misner.
The end of financial year fund-raising drive was kick-started by a radiothon held at the end of April by the helicopter’s pilots and rescue crew who manned the phones
The appeal is aimed at continuing to help people like Ray Barrett and his eight-year-old granddaughter Samara whose incredible story was the focus of the appeal. Amazingly both have needed the rescue helicopter at different times.
If you would like to make a donation, phone 6627 4444, visit www.helirescue.com.au or call into any Westpac bank.
