CareFlight Deputy Chairman, Don Moffatt, recognised Think Money for its generous donation at a special networking breakfast at The Surf Club Mooloolaba this morning.
“With each critical rescue mission costing more than $12,500, Think Money understands the need for vital funding to ensure our helicopter service continues in the region,” Mr Moffatt said.
“The donation from Think Money will be used to purchase new medical equipment and help fund our costly rescue helicopter operations.”
The partnership also includes significant sponsorship with Profile Magazine, the Sunshine Coast’s leading lifestyle and consumer magazine, to help generate much-needed awareness for the not-for-profit organisation.
Today’s Get Up and Get Motivated breakfast, which was focused on health and wellbeing, featured special guest Guy Leech as a keynote speaker.
The former Australian Ironman surf lifesaving champion spoke about the challenges of childhood obesity, heart disease and raising awareness for community-focused fitness.
Four-year-old former patient Freddie Heather, who was urgently airlifted in September 2010 just 16 days after he was born, also attended the breakfast with his parents Scott and Leisa, who shared his heart-warming story of survival.
“Freddie was at Nambour General Hospital in a critical condition about to go into cardiac arrest,” Mrs Heather said.
“The next day Freddie was diagnosed with congenital adrenal hyperplasia, a rare genetic disorder that prevents him from producing the important hormone cortisol, which is essential to protect the body from the effects of illness or injury.
“With the help of the helicopter, Freddie is still here with us.
“We are very lucky to have CareFlight on the Sunshine Coast,” she said.
CareFlight’s helicopter also made a spectacular appearance, flying over The Surf Club to welcome guests including Sunshine Coast City Council Mayor Mark Jamieson, CareFlight Board of Directors, CareFlight staff and local business supporters.
CareFlight North Coast Fundraising Manager Angela Miles said Think Money has supported CareFlight’s local service for years.
“Think Money has been a big supporter of our Sunshine Coast helicopter for nearly three years and today its commitment to our lifesaving community service will continue to grow thanks to this important partnership,” Ms Miles said.
“We can’t thank Think Money enough for its generosity.”