RACQ CapRescue Volunteers hit a new milestone!

2021 was a huge year for RACQ CapRescue, celebrating 25 years of operation, welcoming their new AW139 helicopter, hosting multiple successful events, and responding to over 390 tasks across Central Queensland.

Not stopping there, they also hit another major milestone in 2021 – their StepUp CapRescue Volunteers program, supported by Thiess, recorded its highest number of volunteer hours across a single year!

Caitlin Buttenshaw, Community Fundraising Officer for RACQ CapRescue said, “In 2021, our StepUp CapRescue volunteers donated over 1,230 hours of their time, which is our biggest year yet! According to the current Volunteering QLD wage rate, that equates to over $55,000 in value for CapRescue.”

“Despite COVID-19 implications, we’ve seen a rise in our volunteer numbers with over 90 active StepUp volunteers on our database,” Caitlin said. “Our volunteers were kept busy in 2021 attending multiple fundraising events across the region, selling raffle tickets at local shopping centres, representing the Service at cheque presentations, providing administration support, and more.”

In 2021, RACQ CapRescue renewed its community partnership with Thiess – the naming rights partner of their StepUp CapRescue Volunteers program – for another three years.

“At Thiess, our purpose is to create lasting value. Participating in community life, and supporting initiatives, like CapRescue’s StepUp Volunteer program, that benefit our community is essential,” said Group Manager – Community, Diversity and Inclusion, Anthea Craig.

“We’re proud to continue our support of CapRescue and the StepUp program, particularly at a time when volunteerism is in great need. This program’s success is a testament to the commitment and dedication of the CapRescue team.”

Kirsty Wooler, Operations Manager for RACQ CapRescue commented, “We’re humbled by the continued support of Thiess and the value their team places on the contribution of our volunteers. Their contribution ensures we can continue to be there for Central Queensland.

“Our volunteers showed an enormous amount of dedication, commitment and hard work in 2021, and we cannot thank them and Thiess enough for what they do. We are excited to see where 2022 takes us and hope to see some new faces jump on board our StepUp CapRescue Volunteers program, supported by Thiess.”

For more information about the StepUp CapRescue Volunteers program or to sign up, email [email protected] or visit www.caprescue.org.au.