Ryman Healthcare Australia wrapped up their 12-month partnership with The Fred Hollows Foundation with a cheque for $54,950 while announcing the Royal Flying Doctors Service (RFDS) as their charity partner for 2024.

Each year, Ryman selects a charity partner to support for the next 12 months.

Residents and staff focus their fundraising efforts on the charity for the coming year, and Ryman matches every dollar raised at the end of the year.

Ryman Australia CEO Cameron Holland said handing over the cheque to the Fred Hollows Foundation was incredibly satisfying.

“Fred and Ryman have a lot in common – we’re both Kiwis who jumped the ditch and who put kindness and care for others at the very heart of our purpose," Cameron said.

“The foundation does absolutely essential work that has changed countless lives all over the world. I’m so proud we’ve been able to make a contribution to that work and help ensure Fred’s legacy lives on for decades to come.”

Daniel Mankarious — Corporate Partnerships Executive at Fred Hollows — was delighted to accept the cheque on behalf of the foundation, and emphasised the impact such a sum of money could have on someone’s education.

Cameron said the selection of the RFDS as Ryman’s new charity partner was a “natural fit” after it named its Burwood East retirement village, which was completed this year, in honour of John Flynn.

“We already have a fantastic relationship with the RFDS through that naming partnership, so we’re excited to build on that and raise as much money for them as we can.”

The Royal Flying Doctor Service has a rich and vibrant history in Australia.

RFDS Australia CEO Scott Chapman gave a detailed history lesson, explaining John Flynn's role and how the organisation came to be what it is today.

"It was Reverend John Flynn’s vision to provide a mantle of safety for the people of the bush which would eventually see the first RFDS plane take off in 1928," Scott said.

Almost 100 years later, the RFDS continues to provide essential medical and emergency services to people in remote areas.

Ryman Healthcare Australia are proud of this new partnership and are looking forward to focusing their fundraising efforts on this essential Australian service