Friday 6 April 2018: A Caloundra small business known for its generosity in the charity sector has continued its tradition of providing support to those living in desperate need by making a sizeable donation to local non-profit Mercy Ships Australia.
The donation was made by La Promenade Café management and staff.
Lindsay and Jane Ross-Gilder have owned the Bulcock Beach business since 2009 and over the years since have raised more than $500,000 for charity through the support of staff and customers.
“Staff kindly give up their tips given by customers to go towards our chosen charity and they have always been very happy to support our efforts,” Lindsay said.
“We also encourage our customers to become involved and are grateful for their compassion.”
“Mercy Ships is a local charity that is doing great work around the world and we are delighted to be able to make this contribution.”
“Even small amounts can make a big difference, with just $25 being able to provide a day of care for one patient.”
Founded in 1978, Mercy Ships works to combat the global surgery crisis of 5 billion people without access to safe surgery.
The organisation has worked in more than 70 countries providing services valued at more than $1.3 billion, with more than 2.6 million direct beneficiaries.
Each year, more than 1,200 volunteers from over 40 nations – including more than 100 Australians – serve with Mercy Ships.
Funds raised by La Promenade will be used to provide free maxillofacial, reconstructive plastic, ophthalmic, women’s health, orthopaedic, and general surgeries during the current Mercy Ships field service in Cameroon, Central Africa.
“Patients in Africa are twice as likely to die after surgery when compared with the global average for post-operative deaths,” explained Mercy Ships Australia Managing Director, Alan Burrell.
In addition to providing surgeries, the volunteers on the Mercy Ship also provide medical capacity building training courses to African health care professionals.
“By providing training for the health care professionals, Mercy Ships surgeons help to ensure that partner health care providers will be better equipped to care for their country and provide safer surgeries in Africa after our ship leaves,” Mr Burrell added.
“Support from people like Lindsay, Jane, their family, staff and customers makes the work of our volunteers on board the Africa Mercy hospital ship possible.”
“We can’t thank them enough for their dedication to improving the lives of people less fortunate.”
Mercy Ships Australia is based in Bulcock Street, Caloundra.
END
About Mercy Ships
Mercy Ships uses hospital ships to deliver free, world-class health care services, capacity building and sustainable development aid to those without access in the developing world. Founded in 1978, Mercy Ships has worked in more than 70 countries providing services valued at more than $1.3 billion, with more than 2.56 million direct beneficiaries. Each year, more than 1,200 volunteers from over 40 nations serve with Mercy Ships. Professionals including surgeons, dentists, nurses, health care trainers, teachers, cooks, seamen, engineers, and agriculturalists donate their time and skills to the effort. Mercy Ships seeks to transform individuals and serve nations one at a time. Mercy Ships Australia, one of 16 international support offices, is based on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland. For more information, visit www.mercyships.org.au
For further information, please contact:
Melissa Mason
National Office Manager
Mercy Ships Australia
(07) 5437 2992
[email protected]
High resolution photos are available upon request, with attribution to Mercy Ships.
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