General News
16 September, 2024
Donations to honour police
Horsham's Blue Ribbon Foundation continues to work quietly towards raising funds for organisations which honour police officers who died in the line of duty.
The Foundation has donated more than $550,000 to Wimmera healthcare services and other organisations since it formed in 2007.
The Blue Ribbon Foundation perpetuates the memory of Victoria Police officers who have died in the line of duty through the support of worthwhile community projects and also encourages recognition of the value of other police officers to their community.
Former president Dale Russell, who represents the fire-fighting service to the foundation, said the group's charter meant that money raised locally was donated locally.
"We have people on our committee from many different backgrounds including the media, fire services, police, business, health services, retail and private industry," he said.
He said the committee raised money by organising balls, an annual dinner, auctions, raffles and other events.
Mr Russell said the bulk of the money had gone to Grampians Health.
Donations in the past have included resuscitation equipment, a rapid infuser, neo-natal equipment, high flow systems, blanket and fluid warmer, ECG unit, patient trolleys and vital-signs monitors.
The most recent was the gift of two new high flow humidifiers to Wimmera Base Hospital.
“The devices help reduce the work for a patient’s breathing and allows us to give them high amounts of oxygen," ED nurse unit manager Rebecca Bolzon said.
“They have instantly gone to work and are doing their job so we are very grateful to the Blue Ribbon Foundation and the community that supports their events.”