After cancelling the annual Family Fishing Classic fundraiser for a second year in a row, Volunteer Marine Rescue Bundaberg has launched a raffle and are calling for community support.
The organisation needs to raise much-needed funds to allow them to continue their service in the region and keep boaties safe on the water.
As VMR relies solely on donations, funding allows the team to upgrade their vessels and enhance the service they can provide.
Volunteer Marine Rescue’s Campbell Hair said the service was vital in ensuring the safety of those who were out on the water every day within the region.
“The money raised will be going towards the replacement of our inshore and offshore rescue vessels plus communication and safety equipment,” Mr Hair said.
“Our charter is saving lives at sea and assisting the Water Police with search and rescues of missing persons at sea.”
Volunteer Marine Rescue Bundaberg, formerly known as Bundaberg Air Sea Rescue, has been saving lives at sea since 1972.
They will celebrate 50 years of service next year and hope to continue their work for many years to come.
Mr Hair said the volunteer members were passionate about keeping the local community safe at sea and had all come from a range of backgrounds.
“We are all volunteers with no paid staff and right now we have about 70 active members made up of boat crew, radio operators and support persons,” he said.
“We are a very diverse group, some have navy backgrounds, some come from the military, the police force and the fire service.”
Mr Hair said community support from the latest raffle would not only help the volunteer members to continue their services, but there were plenty of perks for the winners too.
“First prize is valued at $7,500, second prize at $2,500 and third prize at $1,050 with many other prizes to be won,” he said.
This raffle is only available for Queensland residents.
Purchase your raffle tickets here.
Other stories: