Making a Difference in Port Macquarie

Almost $10,000 has been raised by homeowners from the Newport Community for hospitals in the Mid North Coast Local District!

Newport resident, John Norton has lived in the community for the past 5 years. As a semi-retired nurse, and entertainer in his past life, John has made it his mission to run fundraising events for much needed equipment and patient comfort items for the Mid North Coast Health District.

His passion for making a difference is infectious and a dedicated group of volunteers from Newport who, along with management, help with preparing and planning events, decorating the Clubhouse and cleaning up before and after events. Local businesses and the Newport community also contribute donations and raffle prizes.

Each year around 4 charity events are organised by John and the community volunteers. John works with the local health district Corporate Relations Coordinator to ensure all money raised is directed to specific projects in local hospitals in the area.

The recent St Patrick’s Day Event raised $1,600 for the Wauchope Hospital’s Stroke and Rehabilitation Unit which will fund an ergometer to help restore upper-body mobility and strength in stroke patients.

The Rock’n’roll charity function raised an amazing $1,750. These funds went to the Paediatric Unit for a lifesaving backpack carried by medical staff moving young patients around the hospital for x-rays, surgeries etc.

The generosity, hard work and commitment by the residents at Newport have made an enormous difference to their local health service. Well done everyone!

For more information about the Newport community visit their webpage.