The Nambucca River District Agricultural Association, better known as the Macksville Show Society, has presented the proceeds of its highly successful Garden Gala and Markets Day to Macksville District Hospital.
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The $5000 gift will be used to purchase medical equipment at the hospital, as it has done in the past, while another $1500 will go to BowraMacksville Hospital Auxiliary.
Gala organiser May Harris said the donations were only possible due to the ongoing support of the community. More than 5000 people passed through the gates at last October’s event, which featured plant, produce and homeware stalls, arts, crafts and clothing stalls, food and refreshments, children’s entertainment and creative workshops.
“We are so very fortunate to have the support of the community for this event - from the volunteers who help on the day to the Nambucca Valley Garden Club members who host the hugely popular flower show, and the stallholders and visitors, many of whom travel from Coffs, Port Macquarie and Kempsey,” May said.
“It’s a great day that brings the valley together for the benefit of the community.”
Macksville District Hospital’s Deputy Director of Nursing Lisa Slater said she was delighted, and humbled, by the generosity of the show society.
The Garden Gala has raised more than $40,000 for Macksville Hospital in recent years.
“Every year, these wonderful people take on what can only be described as a daunting task in support of their local community,” Ms Slater said.
“They donate every dollar raised from the raffle and donation buckets back to the community, which is amazing when you consider how much time and effort is invested in organising and staging an event such as this.
“For our patients, this kind of support makes a big difference. It also speaks volumes about the generosity and kindness of the people of the Nambucca Valley, and we remain very grateful for that support.”
Ms Slater said she also thanked the many staff from Macksville Hospital who generously volunteered their time on the day to man the gates and donation collection buckets.
This year, the annual Garden Gala and Markets will move to 30 November and be promoted as a Christmas market, promising visitors the opportunity to buy unique gifts for loved ones and friends.
The Garden Gala has raised more than $40,000 for Macksville Hospital in recent years.
