Making a bid to help sick kids and community projects

This year’s online radio auction has received record sponsorship, with local businesses contributing more than $100,000 in the name of charity. The Rotary Club of Boulder celebrated the launch of its 39th annual online radio auction, which raises vital funds for local programs and community groups, on Friday evening. The Murphy Boyden Real Estate launch party, hosted at Kalgoorlie Overland Motel, gave attendees the chance to bid on live and silent auction items including a 4.13g gold nugget, diamond halo ring from JLK Artistry, Jan Bartle painting, custom-made bar, and sports memorabilia. 6PR breakfast radio host Steve Mills was again the event’s guest auctioneer, with the live auction raising about $85,000 for the cause. Radio auction chairman Stuart Fleming said the club was thrilled with the community’s support, with $107,000 generated from sponsorship a great start to this year’s fundraiser. “Sponsorship has been through the roof, we’ve set a new sponsorship record this year ... which is fantastic,” he said. “The support from the local community has been absolutely outstanding, without their support we couldn’t do what we do. “We raise money for the community ... and with 22 beneficiaries this year, as well as our usual Rotary projects, the money is going to be far spread.” One of the auction’s major beneficiaries is the Goldfields Family Assistance Fund, which provides help to families with sick children requiring medical treatment in Perth. Attendees were reminded of the fund’s impact by local family Jayde and Kaylee Smedley. The couple shared the story of their daughter, Ida, who was diagnosed with bilateral talipes, commonly known as club feet, before birth. At six weeks old, Ida was also diagnosed with hip dysplasia. This meant she had to wear a hip brace along with boots and bars between her feet and undertake regular trips to Perth for treatment. Mrs Smedley said while the State Government’s Patient Assisted Travel Scheme would cover a portion of her and Ida’s accommodation and travel, the scheme would not cover costs associated with husband Jayde. “I needed him to drive to and from the airport while I tended to our newborn baby, who was uncomfortable and emotional,” she said. “He needed to be there as her dad, a parent shouldn’t have to stay behind. “He wanted to be a part of her treatment, having to justify and explain to PATS why we needed him there was so hard, and it made us feel like we shouldn’t even be asking.” Mrs Smedley told guests the Goldfields Family Assistance Fund alleviated the financial stress of travel, accommodation and living expenses during their time away from home for medical treatment. “We cannot express how grateful we are to have the assistance and ongoing support from the Rotary club and this amazing fund for families ... who are in a situation like ours,” she said. Beneficiaries from the radio auction also include Goldfields Women’s Refuge, Full Circle Therapies, Youthcare, Kalgoorlie Scout Group, Goldfields Regional Toy Library, Kalgoorlie Country Club, Coolgardie Junior Volunteer Fire & Rescue Service, and Christmas in the Park, among others. The online auction went live at 9am on Friday, with 246 items ranging from art, memorabilia, automotive accessories, tools, to food and beverage and health and beauty vouchers. Bids can be placed at radioauction.net.au until the auction closes at 2pm on November 10. The Boulder Rotary Hub at 79 Burt Street will be open for viewing from 10am to 2pm on Monday and Wednesday. Tickets are on sale for the Goldfields Family Assistance Fund raffle, with a share of $19,000 prize money plus travel vouchers up for grabs. Tickets are $50 each and can be purchased online.