Emma Pritchard
Members of the Grafton Country Women’s Association (CWA) branch made two special presentations during their monthly meeting on June 14.
Branch Secretary Lana Haines welcomed Steven Adams, Volunteer and Retail Manager for the Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter Service to their Duke Street tea rooms last week to present him with $1000 raised by the members through local fundraising efforts.
“We’re very thrilled to be able to give you a lovely donation,” Ms Haines said. “We also have members of our branch who volunteer for the Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter.
“It’s a vital part of our community, so we’re very pleased to make this donation.” As he gratefully acknowledged the Grafton CWA members for their kind donation, Mr Adams said the Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter Service is a free community service which relies wholly on donations.
“On behalf of the service we can’t thank you enough,” he said to the members in attendance. “Every cent that is raised, a majority of it goes towards keeping our helicopters flying.
“We have five in operation, and we do over 1500 missions per year on average, so the fundraising we do is vital because that is how we survive. “On behalf of everyone, our 861 volunteers, 125 staff and our crews, I would like to thank the Grafton CWA for their donation. “Thank you.”
During the morning Ms Haines also presented $500 to Grafton Show Society President Hayley Barnard and Grafton Show Society Vice President Leone Roberts who said the donation was very much appreciated, adding they had discussed putting the money towards purchasing championship ribbons ahead of the 2025 Grafton Show, describing them as a major expense every year.
“If you think that would be a good way for us to spend the money, we’ll put that to the (Grafton Show Society) board.”
“Thank you for this kind donation,” Ms Barnard added. “We’ll put it towards something which is really needed for the show next year.” Ms Barnard said any members of the Grafton CWA who would like to donate their time by volunteering with the Grafton Show Society would be more than welcome. “We always need more volunteers,” she said.