THE rural community has once again dug deep and made a generous donation to two very worthy local causes.
The Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) and the Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) Foundation both benefited from the proceeds of the Livestock and Rural Transport Association's (LRTA) annual auction.
This event was held in July last year when a tie and two paintings were put under the hammer to raise much-needed funds for these two foundations.
The tie was once again knocked down to John Della Gola, Northcliffe, for $5000.
The Della Gola family has placed the winning bid on the tie for seven consecutive years and are long-time supporters of the PMH Foundation.
"I have five children myself with the first grandchild due in two months and while we thankfully have never had to come here it is a very good cause to be a part of," Mr Della Gola said.
PHM Foundation chief executive officer Denys Pearce said he was delighted by the continued support of the LRTA and the rural community.
"We have received over $50,000 in donations from the tie auction since it first began a decade ago," he said.
"That money has been used within the hospital to help make it a better place for the kids and their families who unfortunately have to be here."
A tie is donated annually by Dennis Roberts who has been the auctioneer for all but one of the LRTA auctions.
"I get the ties from all over the place and I always try get something a little bit quirky," Mr Roberts said.
"It is an excellent cause and people have really started to get behind it, I think the first tie sold for $150 and since then we have seen prices up to $6000."
The RFDS also received a donation from the LRTA from the sale of two paintings by artists Douglas Kirsop and Arthur Hamblin which raised a total of $2750.
Max and Lisa Cameron, Rolystone, were the buyers of Mr Kirsop's painting and took it home for $2000 and Norton and Jenny Docking, Mandurah, paid $750 for the painting from Mr Hamblin.
Mr Cameron is a patron of the LRTA and a supporter of the RFDS and also wanted to make a contribution to a valuable service for rural Australians.
RFDS director of the medical service Dr Stephen Langford wanted to thank the rural community, the LRTA and the artists for their invovelment.
"It is fantastic and we really appreciate the support," Dr Langford said.
"The money will be put to good use helping the broader community of WA."
