The Central Queensland community has once again shown its support for CapRescue, raising more than $160,000 through the service’s 30th Anniversary Appeal, with the total further strengthened by two extraordinary major donations.
Throughout the appeal, former patients Fiona and Bevan Baker, along with Summer Hamilton and her father Stan, shared their personal experiences of being rescued, giving the community an insight into the real people whose lives have been changed by the service.
Acting CEO Kirsty Wooler said the stories reminded people that behind every mission was someone facing one of the most difficult days of their life.
“Each year we can talk about the number of missions we fly, the hours we spend in the air or the size of the region we cover, but those figures only tell part of the story,” Ms Wooler said.
“It’s the people behind those missions who remind us why CapRescue exists.
“We’re incredibly grateful to Fiona, Bevan, Summer and Stan for their willingness to revisit some of the hardest moments of their lives. Their stories have helped our community understand why supporting the Annual Appeal is so important.
“The response to this year’s appeal has been overwhelming, and we’ve been humbled by the generosity of everyone who donated, shared our stories or helped spread the message throughout Central Queensland.”
Around 30 per cent of the funding required to operate CapRescue comes from community support, corporate partnerships and fundraising activities, helping ensure Rescue300 remains ready to respond at no cost to patients.
Ms Wooler said the organisation was also grateful to the many people and businesses who helped make the appeal possible.
“Our sincere thanks also go to our media partners across Central Queensland, whose ongoing support helped share these stories with communities throughout the region,” she said.
“As we celebrate 30 years of service, this appeal has been another reminder that CapRescue is truly part of the community. Every donation, every partnership and every act of support helps ensure Rescue300 will be here for many years to come.”
Funds raised through the appeal will support the ongoing costs of specialist medical equipment, crew training, engineering and maintaining Rescue300’s ability to respond across Central Queensland, ensuring that when the next call comes, help is on its way.