CommBank Staff Foundation earlier this month donated $20,000 to Angel Flight as part of its 2024 Community Grants program.
Established in 2003 by QLD businessman Bill Bristow, Angel Flight brings volunteer pilots and aircraft owners together to fly people to medical appointments rather than subject them to long, arduous car journeys. They co-ordinate around 20 flights per day.
CommBank General Manager, Sunil Thomas, who is a volunteer pilot and has completed 36 flights across NSW, nominated Angel Flight for the grant.
“Over the years I've carried passengers across the full spectrum of society – as young as a few weeks old to the elderly, First Nations Peoples, immigrants, those from disadvantaged communities and those that just need some help at a time of incredible stress," Thomas said
"In all cases, the relief we bring to these families is palpable. It is an incredible privilege and joy to help Angel Flight with their important purpose."
Angel Flight CEO Marjorie Pagani said the money would enable the charity to fund more flights and ground transfers.
“With the support of the CommBank Community Grant, Angel Flight can continue its important mission to serve rural communities who face the triple burden of poor health, financial difficulty and the challenge of distance," she said.
"It’s wonderful to receive this grant which allows us to provide around 40 flights and drives, and help so many individuals and families access the critical medical care they need.
"We are seeing demand for our service grow and it’s our mission to bridge the gap for those in remote areas where healthcare is often out of reach.”
Angel Flight funding comes from charitable donations and sponsorships, with the pilots covering the majority of the aircraft costs.
The bank's Community Grants program handed out a total of $3.5 million to 175 different charities and community organisations.