Royal Flying Doctors raffle is a soaring success

The heroes of our skies, the Royal Flying Doctors Service, symbolise hope for rural and remote communities, providing vital medical care to those in need.

As a not-for-profit organisation, the Royal Flying Doctors Service heavily depends on the support and generosity of others to enable the dedicated healthcare teams to continue their life-saving work.

This winter, the hardworking WA RFDS committee team’s ticketed Winter Raffle, which promoted local businesses while raising funds to support RFDS operations in Jandakot, was a sell-out success.

With only 2000 tickets available and a six-week selling window, locals in Dunsborough, Busselton, and Margaret River contributed both financially and by running raffle sitings in public spaces such as Bunnings, Busselton Central, and Dan Murphy’s.

“We are delighted to say that we have sold out entirely, in no small part due to enthusiastic local support for the WA RFDS and overwhelming appreciation for the generously donated prizes from local businesses,” coordinator Janie Haynes said.

“The wonderful prizes warmed winter hearts, and the locals eagerly snapped up the tickets in support. We are so grateful, as we successfully raised $20,000.”

According to the WA RFDS, 2023 was its busiest year, with 182,500 calls and 10,270 medical retrievals.

There was a 24 percent increase in patients in the south west alone, with 558 transported for care and 223 RFDS landings at the Busselton airport.

With the increasing demand for this invaluable service, more funding for the WA RFDS is needed now than ever.

Fundraising donations are distributed across the RFDS family to provide essential healthcare services and fund the replacement of aeromedical aircraft and vital medical equipment.

The winners were drawn on Saturday, August 3. Steve Sumich secured first prize, while Rob Hill and Suzie Carter collected second and third respectively.

Organisers thanked sponsors for their support, including Retravision Bunbury, Retravision Busselton, Retravision Margaret River, Hilton Garden Inn Busselton, Stinson Air and Solar Busselton, Shelter Brewing Co and The Goose Bar & Kitchen.

“Thank you to everyone who generously supported this extraordinary organisation and to the WA RFDS for their continued work saving lives and helping our rural communities access essential medical care.”

The next fundraiser will be a fun Quiz Night on October 5 at the Senior Citizens Hall in Busselton.

To find out more or donate to the WA RFDS, visit: www.rfdswa.com.au