LOCALS supporting locals is the aim of the newly formed Atherton Friends of the Foundation group.
The fundraising group is a subsidiary of the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation and brings together the long-established Hospital Auxiliary with other members of the community.
Friends president Dianne Williams said she was delighted the community had united to support health services.
“Any monetary donations to us now are tax deductible and we are planning some additional fundraising activities to help boost equipment for our health service,” Ms Williams said.
Atherton Hospital Auxiliary spokeswoman Louise De Marzi said in the 30 years the auxiliary had run, it had contributed more than $500,000 to improving equipment at the local hospital.
“That’s been through our weekly bingo, fetes, cake stalls and our daily trolley through the hospital,” Mrs De Marzi said.
“We believe joining with the Friends group is a step in the right direction for the hospital and our community,” she said.
Atherton Club of Rotary kicked off the new Friends group, with a $20,000 donation.
Director Jo Barnes said the funds were raised through Rotary’s work on the field days and Tastes of the Tablelands events.
Foundation chairman Dr Ken Chapman said he was delighted the community had recognised the benefits of coming under the Foundation’s umbrella.
“We now have Friends groups here, Mareeba, Mossman, Cow Bay, Innisfail, Croydon, Cooktown and we’ve also welcomed Tully and Herberton to the fold recently as well,” Dr Chapman said.
“This is a wonderful step forward for the Atherton community and we look forward to supporting them achieve better health outcomes for local patients,” he said.
