The Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs have once again shown their dedication to regional well-being by contributing $5,130 to RACQ LifeFlight Rescue.
This generous contribution fulfills the Bulldogs' promise to donate $1 for each ticket sold during their Round 22 regional home match on July 30, 2023. The match, held at Salter Oval, resulted in a thrilling 23-22 victory over the Dolphins and attracted over 5,000 attendees.
The Bulldogs were able to meet their commitment by allocating proceeds from the ticket sales to the local emergency service.
The donation from the Bulldogs marks the second consecutive year of support for RACQ LifeFlight Rescue, which plays a pivotal role in providing critical emergency medical services and equipment for the Bundaberg region and its surrounding areas.
In January, the Bulldogs unveiled $8,500 worth of training and emergency medical equipment, which was procured through their initial donation to RACQ LifeFlight Rescue following the 2022 NRL Telstra Premiership match - the first official NRL match to be taken to the Bundaberg region.
As the first NRL club to embrace the region with the support of local council and Tourism and Events Queensland, the Bulldogs are delighted to be able to give back to the local community.
"As a member of both the Bulldogs' leadership and the Bundaberg community, I am extremely proud of our partnership with RACQ LifeFlight Rescue,” said Bulldogs Director and Bundaberg local, Andrew Gifford.
“This organisation plays an essential role in ensuring the safety and well-being of our neighbours and loved ones. The Bulldogs pride ourselves on being the Family Club, and this is one small way we can help our extended family and Bulldogs community when and where they need it most. We are committed to continuing our support for this critical cause."
RACQ LifeFlight Rescue's essential aeromedical services swiftly deploy specialised medical teams to emergency scenes in remote and regional areas, providing timely and expert care to individuals facing life-threatening situations. Through these efforts, the organisation is able to make a profound impact on the lives of those in need, providing comfort and reassurance to both patients and their families.
"We are deeply appreciative of the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs' ongoing commitment to our cause," said Honorary Ambassador, LifeFlight Wide Bay-Burnett Region, Dale Rethamel.
"Their dedication to supporting our efforts to deliver immediate, life-saving care to patients in Queensland is truly commendable and makes a tangible difference in the communities we serve."
The impact of this partnership with RACQ LifeFlight Rescue is immeasurable and offers hope to countless individuals in times of crisis.
Whilst visiting the base today to mark the contribution and thank the RACQ LifeFlight Rescue crew for the commendable work that they do, Gifford reaffirmed the club’s intention to return to the area in 2024 for a third consecutive year and continue the meaningful partnership with the base.
The on-site visit was supported by Mayor Jack Dempsey and local MP, Tom Smith who were also in attendance, re-affirming the importance of major events such as the NRL match to drive tourism and economy in the region.
The 2024 NRL draw is expected to be announced later this year, in November.