Anglo American Metallurgical Coal has demonstrated its commitment to giving back to the communities it operates in by sponsoring the Central Queensland RACQ Capricorn Helicopter Rescue Service with a $15,000 donation that the service will put towards the operating costs of their new Sikorsky 76 helicopter.
On Monday 1 February 2010 Dawson Mine Manager Andy McLeod travelled to Rockhampton to visit the Capricorn Helicopter Rescue Service base and hand over the cheque to the service.
Dawson Mine General Manager Rick Fairhurst said throughout the year Anglo American sponsors a number of different local initiatives, particularly those geared towards improving health and education facilities in its neighbouring communities.
“At the end of each year, instead of organising Christmas and end of year break up celebrations, employees at Dawson Mine nominate to make donations to organisations that service the local community,” Rick said.
“In December 2009 a total of $35,000 was donated to different charities, including the Royal Flying Doctors Service and Anglicare Central Queensland.
“We have a selection criteria based around the long-term value offered by the sponsored organisation in mind when making the decision, including the importance of the cause not only for our employees but to the region as a whole.
“The Capricorn Helicopter Rescue Service is a vital service for the operation, employees, their families and the community, with the capacity to really make a positive difference with the donated funds,” Rick said.
RACQ Capricorn Helicopter Rescue Service Executive Officer Kay Becker said she was delighted and grateful to the management and staff of Anglo American’s Dawson Mine for their continuing support.
“The sponsorship will go directly toward the operating costs of our new Sikorsky 76 helicopter which now offers vastly improved capabilities, particularly in relation to the range we can cover,” she said.
Rick said this was the second year in a row that Dawson Mine had made Christmas donations to local organisations.
For further information:
Jacqui Strambi
Tel: 0439 774 526