||| FROM BOB WAUNCH for ORCAS AVIATION ASSOCIATION |||


When the Orcas Aviation Association announced they were running short on funds to support the Mercy Flights, the Orcas Lions Club immediately rallied their members and announced a $2,000 matching fund drive. Little did they know how successful they would be.

Members called friends, family, and spoke to island residents they happened to meet, relating how important Mercy Flights are to all residents and visitors on Orcas. Tuesday evening The Lions Club, whose mission is to strengthen communities and support those in need, held their annual year-end dinner and 2022 review of accomplishments at Matthews Smokehouse. At the completion of their review, they presented a check for $12,600 to Gill Blinn, the Mercy Flight
coordinator.

As an island community, transportation to and from the mainland for non-life-threatening emergency medical services and specialists is critical. If a loved one is transported off the island in a serious emergency and a family member needs to meet them at the hospital, Mercy Flights is there to help. For those undergoing treatment like radiation that require a mainland visit but may only take a short visit, taking the ferry can be exhausting and costly. Mercy Flights is there for everyone.

The Orcas Aviation Association and Orcas community, sincerely thanks the Orcas Lions Club and all their members for stepping up like none other! Their generosity and support of the Mercy Flight Program is unparalleled and deeply appreciated.


 

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