Two regional hotels have gone into bat to support LifeFlight with an annual charity cricket fundraiser.
The Theebine Hotel and Kilkivan Hotel battled it out on Theebine’s turf with the support of community groups, such as the Rainbow Beach Sports Club who donated raffle prizes and a shade gazebo.
Power’s Transport Kilkivan generously donated $1,000, and many other local community groups gave refreshments, amenities and their time to the weekend event.
The event raised more than $7,500 and follows a $13,000 donation from the Theebine Hotel earlier in the year.
Despite the fierce competition, Theebine took the win by 40 runs and were crowned the victors.
Theebine Hotel proprietor Jackson Macdonald said the decision to fundraise again for LifeFlight was an easy one.
“Staff at the hotel chose LifeFlight as their charity, as not too many days go past without us seeing the rescue chopper fly past our hotel,” Mr Macdonald said.
“They respond to car accidents, health emergencies and workplace accidents and we’d be lost without them.”
Cricket between the hotels is a local tradition and staff were more than happy to get on the whites for a great cause.
Kilkivan Hotel proprietor John Panetta said the establishment was supportive of Theebine’s charity of choice.
“We appreciate the support LifeFlight provides in regional areas and the comfort it gives people in those areas,” Mr Panetta said.
“There are a lot of people who are quite remote and rely on emergency responses. It’s a great organisation and we’re happy to support all the way.”
Since taking to the skies 45 years ago LifeFlight has helped close to 90,000 people.
For its Christmas appeal LifeFlight is aiming to raise $1 million for the Critical Care Doctor Program, to support increased rostering statewide so medical care can be on standby around the clock.
To donate and support this initiative, visit www.lifeflight.org.au/support-our-doctors/ and help ensure LifeFlight critical care doctors are always ready to respond at a moment’s notice.