The sound of a helicopter over Braidwood sends shivers through a lot of people. Most residents realise that it would probably be a Snowy Hydro Southcare Rescue helicopter. Where is it going?
Will it land in Braidwood? Is a local involved? How were they injured? So many questions go through people’s minds. Since Snowy Hydro Southcare commenced operation in 1988, they have attended over 6700 missions from Canberra down to the Victorian border. Saving lives, however, is an expensive business with the average flying hour costing in excess of $5,000. Funds are always required to keep this essential service in operation.
Braidwood is very passionate about its support of Snowy Hydro Southcare. There are collection tins in most businesses, fundraising events are held along with raffles. The Braidwood and Bungendore Community Bank branches realise the importance of Snowy Hydro Southcare and contribute $15,000 each year which they have done for the past 4 years.
For the past 5 years, a Canberra quilting group called Broomsticks and Bobbins, have been donating beautifully made and designed quilts to Snowy Hydro Southcare to be raffled or auctioned. This year, Broomsticks and Bobbins have specially made and named a quilt for the Braidwood and Bungendore volunteers of Snowy Hydro Southcare to be raffled at the Community Bank branches at Braidwood and Bungendore.
The quilt will be displayed at the branches at various times and the winner will be drawn on the weekend of the Festival of Braidwood Quilt Event on 26 November, 2016. Tickets are on sale at the branches.
Fundraising Manager of Snowy Hydro Southcare, Alison Tonkin said “We at Snowy Hydro Southcare are thrilled and very appreciative to have such generous support from our community and volunteers who contribute to raising awareness and funds for the Snowy Hydro Southcare helicopter”.
Furthermore, Snowy Hydro Southcare Media and Communications Manager, Cree McRae said “The Snowy Hydro Southcare rescue helicopter is a community resource that is on call 24 hours a day, every day of the year, providing a vital service to our region’s one million residents and five million visitors. We are proud to receive such wonderful support from the Braidwood and Bungendore communities as well as Broomsticks and Bobbins who contribute to helping to keep the rescue helicopter in the air and saving lives”.
If you would like any further information regarding Snowy Hydro Southcare you can contact them on 02 6207 8429 or www.snowyhydro.com.au.
