Volunteers dedicated to keeping the Westpac Rescue Helicopter in the sky have turned to the wedding industry to help pay for the life-saving service.
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The service’s Maitland Support Group has organised a bridal expo to rake in thousands of dollars for the charity.
The Hunter Region Bridal Expo, which will be held at Maitland City Bowling Club on May 28 between 10am and 2pm, will put brides and grooms in touch with over 50 exhibitors from car hire and dresses to suits and flowers.
Each exhibitor will pay $225 to be part of the expo and entry is $5 per person, which will go directly to the charity.
The Maitland Support Groups have been running low on volunteers in recent months, which has limited its ability to raise money.
We’re hoping to make a lot of money for the helicopter ... I love it so much, the people I volunteer with are such fun to be with and everyone at the helicopter base are so friendly – it’s like a big family.
- Maitland Support Group chairwoman Margaret Kirkwood.
“It’s something that everybody recognises and it makes such a difference in our community.”
The charity has more than 1000 volunteers across its 37 support groups who attend exhibitions, education activities and work with the marketing and administration department.
Their fundraising efforts help raise awareness about the service and contribute to the cost of running the helicopters.
This helps keep the service free.
Support branches across the region have recently struggled to attract new volunteers and the helicopter has urged anyone who wants to help to join the charity.
Mrs Kirkwood said volunteering with the group was one of the best decisions she’s ever made.
“I love it so much, the people I volunteer with are such fun to be with and everyone at the helicopter base are so friendly – it’s like a big family,” she said.
To find out more information about volunteering call 1800 155 155 or visit www.rescuehelicopter.com.au