LOCAL donors have contributed more than $14,000 to the Mareeba Hospital Friends of the Foundation.
This included $13,500 from FNQ Growers from the proceeds of their auction of locally produced fruit and vegetables, donated by members, as a highlight of their gala dinner.
As well, The Lady of the Chain Committee donated $1000 to support the community in which they live.
FNQ Growers president Joe Moro said supporting the Mareeba Friends was important because of its vital role in the community.
“The hospital and its staff look after us and our workers when we’re sick or injured and we really value what they do,” Mr Moro said.
It gives us an opportunity to showcase our industry and growers and, at the same, time raise funds for the Friends of the Mareeba Hospital Foundation.
Lady of the Chain President Angela Musumeci said the group holds a feast annually, celebrating a miracle which occurred in Sicily in 1392.
“After praying to Our Lady, three prisoners found their chains had been unlocked and they were able to flee,” Mrs Musumeci said.
“In order to celebrate this feast, we rely on our community to support us with donations and to come to our event. This year we were blessed with an increase in numbers and profits and the committee was keen to give back to the community that supports us. As such, we looked for an organisation that is important to the community in which we live. The committee was unanimous that the Hospital Foundation should be the beneficiary of the support we received, given the importance of our hospital to our community,” she said.
Mareeba Hospital Friends of The Foundation chairman Tom Braes gratefully accepted the generous donations.
“Community support for the hospital is overwhelming and has allowed our group to commit substantial funds for the acquisition of important equipment for the hospital,” Mr Braes said.
Photo: Angela Musumeci from the Lady of the Chain group, Mareeba Friends of the Hospital Foundation chairman Tom Braes, FNQ Growers president Joe Moro and Mareeba Hospital Director of Nursing Michelle Bombardieri.
