Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Flagon and Dragon President Scott Jamieson and Treasurer Melinda Doidge. Photo Supplied: Mater
A long-running Mackay fundraiser has raised more than $300,000 for local children’s charities, with $54,000 allocated to supporting newborn babies at Mater Private Hospital Mackay.
The result brings the organisation’s total fundraising efforts to almost $2.5 million since its establishment.
Flagon and Dragon President Scott Jamieson said the event was founded following a lunch between several local businessmen who wanted to help a sick child.
“Flagon and Dragon started at a Chinese restaurant with a few businessmen having a lunch and a few beers around the table,” he said.
“At the time one of the guys' kids was sick and was going through a bit of a tough time. So, they passed the hat around at the lunch, and that essentially was the genesis of Flagon and Dragon.”
Scott said the organisation remained focused on helping sick children access the treatment they need locally, allowing families to stay together.
He credited the generosity of Mackay’s business community for making the fundraising event possible, with approximately 350 people attending this year’s luncheon.
“We choose who’s there, and we know who will spend – we’re open about it because, bottom line, the purpose of the day is to raise money for the kids of Mackay,” Scott said.
The funds donated to the Mater Foundation will go towards new equipment in the midwifery unit at Mater Private Hospital Mackay,
Mater Private Hospital Mackay General Manager Karen Wade said the donation reflected the generosity of the local community and would help strengthen maternity and neonatal care.
“These donations will fund essential neonatal and maternity equipment, ensuring our healthcare teams have the tools they need to care for some of our smallest and most vulnerable patients close to home.”
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