Responding to fatal car accidents around the Valley, and a host of other call-outs, the crew had already been to 53 jobs in the six months up to the start of December, and assisted 95 people.

That was just three less jobs than in the entirety of 2008.

VRA’s Christopher Pearson said the period had taken its toll on the resources of

volunteers, with more than 3200 hours clocked up during that time.

Due to the traumatic nature of some of the call-outs, some volunteers would be seeking counselling, he said.

The dramatic increase in the number of call-outs also affected the team’s running costs, he said, which made donations from the public and organisations particularly vital.

Mr Pearson outlined the VRA’s hectic six months during a presentation of funds from the Drag-ens Hot Rod Club.

The Drag-ens donated $1000 to the local rescue association during a presentation on December 15.

Members of the club travelled up from Sydney specially for the presentation.

The funds were raised during the annual Valla Rod Run, which has been held in the Nambucca Valley since 1976.

“Over the years the club has built many close friendships within the community and a special bond exists with all the guys at the VRA,” Drag-ens President Andrew McClelland said.

“These guys are all volunteers who give generously of their time and energy to look after the community.

“Their efforts often save lives day-after-day, it can be the difference between life and death for accident victims.”