DESCRIBED as a great success by event organiser Peter Scott, this year's Rotary Dubbo South Destination Outback has raised more than $200,000 to assist a variety of beneficiaries. The 12th event in 24 years attracted 133 participants with 55 of those being first-timers. Mr Scott said the most recent event was a "moving and emotional experience" that saw months of preparation and committee meetings rewarded. "We raised $60,000 on the trip and we sought out people along the way in the outback who had special needs so we could help them," he said. Angel Flight received a donation of $10,000, while the family of a four-year-old boy who lost his foot in a mowing accident last year was given a cheque for $5000. A Nyngan girl with cerebral palsy received a cheque for $2000 and the neo-natal ward at Westmead Hospital also received a donation for the same amount. Mr Scott recounted the story of a young boy, Charlie Kidd, who was born with a cranial deformity. His grandfather, Sandy Kidd, originally met the Outback Destination crew when they first approached him to cross his property at Windorah, near Birdsville, in 1990. A firm friendship was established with Mr Kidd over the years and now the Destination Outback participants are able to help out an old friend by contributing $2000 toward his grandson's care. "A three-night holiday to Hamilton Island was auctioned with a winning bid of $5000," Mr Scott said. "The man who won took the holiday coupon and gave it to Charlie's mum and dad. "That's the sort of thing we are dealing with." A hat was later passed around and $3000 was raised, as well as $1000 to cover their flight's costs. Destination Outback's primary recipient is the Royal Flying Doctor Service. The club have raised in excess of $850,000 for the RFDS over the years and continue to support the vital outback service. Mr Scott said the event was a wonderful thing to be involved in and was considered by many as the "best one yet." "I haven't stopped receiving calls from people saying how much the loved it," he said. lisa.minner@ruralpress.com
