BHP and Fortescue Metals Group will donate A$2 million and A$1 million, respectively, to the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) to help boost the organisation’s frontline services during the COVID-19 outbreak.

The donations will support the Response Ready for WA appeal, which will ensure the RFDS has the necessary resources, infrastructure, capital and people to safely deliver its range of 24/7 emergency aeromedical and essential primary health care services for remote and regional West Australians.

“BHP is committed to supporting the communities in which we operate, and beyond. This contribution to the RDFS is part of our $50 million Vital Resources Fund, which has been established to provide support to regional Western Australia during this difficult time. We will continue to look for ways for BHP to support regional communities as we work through this challenge together,” said Tim Day, acting asset president, BHP Western Australia Iron Ore.

Fortescue Chief Executive Officer Elizabeth Gaines said, “At Fortescue, our values of family and safety always comes first, and we are pleased to provide this donation to support the RFDS to provide this vital service for people living in remote and regional WA.   

“We have seen the devastating impact that this unprecedented global health and economic crisis is having on people across the globe. As a business operating in regional WA, we want to ensure our local communities continue to have access to critical services.

“We sincerely thank all the RFDS staff, medical workers, doctors and nurses who are on the front line of this war against COVID-19 and are working tirelessly to ensure West Australian lives are saved,” Ms Gaines said.

RFDS Western Australia CEO Rebecca Tomkinson said, “The response to, and recovery from, COVID-19 will be a critical, ongoing team effort. We are all in this together. With support from Fortescue Metals Group and the resources and business sector, the RFDS can meet the needs of remote and regional Western Australia during this unprecedented time and well into the future.”

Sources: www.bhp.com; www.fmgl.com.au