THE Atherton community is rallying together to support health care in the region.
Anyone interested in helping enhance services at the Atherton Hospital is invited to join a new group – the Friends of the Atherton Hospital, through the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation.
Hosted by the Rotary Club of Atherton, the meeting will be attended by Foundation fundraising and marketing manager Glenys Duncombe.
Rotary Club of Atherton director Jo Barnes said the redevelopment of the Atherton Hospital brings a new era of health care to our region.
“The Foundation was established to channel community support for hospitals in the Far North,” Mrs Barnes said.
“To be part of this now well-established charity, we need to have a local ‘Friends of the Hospital’ committee to attract funds and donations to Atherton Hospital.”
There are already established “Friends” groups in Mareeba, Mossman, Innisfail, Cow Bay, Croydon, Cooktown and Gordonvale.
“These groups allow their communities to access donations and fundraising to buy equipment and support improvements to health services in towns,” Mrs Barnes said.
The Foundation is a registered charity with the Australian Tax Office, which means all donations are tax deductible, and purchases do not attract GST, which offers a saving.
The procurement processes and buying power of the Foundation ensure best prices are secured.
The Rotary Club of Atherton is hosting a meeting at the Atherton International Club on March 19 from 6.30pm. Ms Duncombe will explain the function of the local Friends group and how it can benefit the community.
Interested people are encouraged to attend, and it is the intention to form a committee from this meeting.
For further information or to RSVP, contact Ms Barnes on 0448 750 353.
