Lifesaving Strathalbyn fundraiser gains new momentum
A total of $3000 recently raised by the community for new defibrillators could soon double, as the Rotary Club of Strathalbyn seeks a grant through the organisation. As previously reported in The Southern Argus, the fundraiser was sparked by the Lee...
A total of $3000 recently raised by the community for new defibrillators could soon double, as the Rotary Club of Strathalbyn seeks a grant through the organisation.
As previously reported in The Southern Argus, the fundraiser was sparked by the Lee family who used a local defibrillator on husband and father-of-two Andrew when he experienced heart failure.
“Access to that defibrillator gave us precious hope because we were able to sustain his life until the paramedics were able to keep trying,” his sister Julie told The Argus at the time.
“Without that defib, it could have ended much sooner and not given us that hope.”
Andrew tragically died, and in lieu of floral tributes, family and friends donated to the Rotary Club of Strathalbyn to purchase more defibrillators for the community.
A total of $3000 was raised, including a generous donation of $500 from one Argus reader.
One defibrillator will cost about $2500.
The club now wants to continue that fundraising momentum by calling for further donations, with a goal of $5000, ahead of applying for a Rotary grant which would match monies raised dollar-for-dollar.
The new defibrillators could potentially be installed in Strathalbyn and neighbouring suburbs, such as Milang or Langhorne Creek.
If the grant application is unsuccessful, defibrillators will be bought with funds raised, with an extra Rotary contributions.
“We were moved by the fact that (Andrew’s son) remembered where the defib was after walking past it home from school,” Rotarian Craig Maidment said.
“We thought if we could spread more through the suburbs and promote them, then people will be aware they’re in the neighbourhood.
“It could have saved a life.”
Rotary Club of Strathalbyn President Chris Jones was thankful for the donations from the community so far, and hopes to spread further awareness of where defibrillators are located.
“Everybody I’ve told this story (about the Lee family) has been gobsmacked,” Mr Jones said.
“Up until we started looking into this, I wouldn’t have known where more than two or three of them were off the top of my head.
“If nothing else, it’s gained awareness, and awareness is now the key.”
If you would like to donate to the Rotary Club of Strathalbyn to purchase more defibrillators, contact Craig Maidment before June 15 on: (0438 166 528).
Locations of Strathalbyn defibrillators:
- Strathalbyn Football Club
- Strathalbyn Bowling Club
- Strathalbyn Tennis Club
- 50 Hampden Way, Strathalbyn
- Commercial Hotel
- Woolworths
- Victoria Hotel
- Strath Neighbourhood Centre
- Strathalbyn Caravan Park
- Sue Prior Swimming, 6 Meyers Rd, Strathalbyn
