Ballina Shire residents urged to dig deep for rescue chopper
The Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter’s annual Doorknock Appeal, sponsored by Bourke Love McCartney Young, takes place this Saturday and Sunday August 30-31, and Ballina Shire residents are urged to give generously to this worthwhile cause.
A record 2000 doorknockers will be hitting the street in over 50 towns throughout the northern region (from Tweed Heads in the north, to Nambucca Heads in the south and west to Glen Innes).
“Residents are encouraged to please give generously when one of the volunteer collectors calls on Saturday or Sunday or donate via the website www.helirescue.com.au or any Westpac bank,” said the rescue service’s Business Development Manager, Nyree Eplett.
“The service still needs volunteer collectors (see venues below) and drivers at most venues.
“Anyone interested in helping out by door-knocking or driving collectors on the day, should call 6627 4444 (Lismore helibase) or 6650 9893 (Coffs).
“Alternatively, people can simply turn up at any of the collection venues listed below this Sunday August 31. It only takes a couple of hours!”
The Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter Annual Doorknock Appeal is the service’s biggest fundraising event, raising over $100,000 each year.
“Last year we raised just over $100,000 but only covered around 30 per cent of the flight area,” Nyree said.
“Imagine what we could do with more volunteers!”
The Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter service operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.
On average the service flies five to six missions per week.
Its annual operating costs are $5 million, half of which needs to be raised from the community every year, making events like doorknock absolutely vital.
For further information contact: Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter Business Development Manager Nyree Epplett on 0412 665 644. Collectors wanting more information should contact 6627 4444 or 6650 9893.
Doorknock Day collection venues in Ballina Shire and surrounding areas:
Alstonville
Geoff Watt Building
Deegan Drive, near Alstonville Bowling Club
Ballina
Ballina Bowling Club
68 Cherry Street
Bangalow
Bangalow Fire Station
Byron Street
Broadwater
Melba’s Verandah
Cnr Fisher & Pacific Hwy
Lennox Head
CWA Hall
Park Lane
