Over $18,000 Raised for Medical Transportation Fund
Over $18,000 Raised for Medical Transportation Fund
Rob Brown, Founder and President of The Panama Helpline announced today that thanks to the hard work of Peggy Schroder, President-Elect of the Rotary Club of Playa Coronado, $14,000 US has been donated by the Rotary Club of Calgary South (Peggy's former Rotary Club) in Alberta, Canada to the Medical Transportation Fund.
"We hope this is just the start of Calgary's support of this very important project" said Schroder. The fund will be administered by the Rotary Club of Playa Coronado.
Combined with the $4,300 already raised by The Panama Helpline, over $18,000 US is now available to help address the medical transportation needs in the interior. More fundraising will take place in the near future.
A committee of medical experts will make recommendations on the best use of these funds. Options include funding Medi-Cab type taxi/vans, supporting existing ambulance services, or providing existing medical clinics/bomberos with defibrillators and first aid kits.
"Many of you recall the nightmare I suffered when the ambulance that took me from the Clinic in Coronado to Panama City after my heart attack pulled into a dark alley, unhooked my I.V., heart monitor, and oxygen and forced me to get out of the ambulance and get them money out of an ATM to pay for the ambulance ride. I have dedicated my efforts to make sure this never happens to one of you. Thank you to the Rotary Club of Calgary South for helping us resolve this important issue. Their generosity will help save lives" said Brown
"This has been a two-year plus effort by a lot of dedicated volunteers - and I want to recognise the generosity of the Panama Helpline members and dedicated volunteers who have worked so hard to make this dream a reality" said Brown
If you see a member of The Rotary Club of Playa Coronado - congratulate them. They are doing a lot to help our community.
The Rotary Club of Playa Coronado meets every Tuesday at 12 noon at La Teca Restaurant, 2nd floor- Village Mall (above Machetazo) in Coronado - visitors and guests always welcome.