By 96five Monday 26 Aug 2024Sunday CelebrationFaithReading Time: 3 minutes
Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) Australia has launched its twelfth annual Fuel for Father’s Day campaign, urging Australians to donate essential aviation fuel for its life-saving, life-transforming and life-giving flights.
Since 2013, this campaign, supported by Australian churches and generous donors, has funded the fuel needed for 140 minutes of flying time daily, providing crucial aid to people living in isolated communities around the world.
Ken Samuels is the Relationship Lead with MAF Australia and told 96five’s Alex Milne that aviation fuel was MAF’s biggest operational expense.
“Aircraft, like motor cars need fuel. And fuel of course has gone up in cost an enormous amount in the last few years.
“So this year, why rack your brain deciding what to get dad this Father’s Day? We know that dad’s got enough stuff – so this year, why not give him a gift that could potentially save a life?”
Ken said that last year’s campaign saw MAF supporting humanitarian work, both in our region and further afield.
“Because of everyone who got involved, we raised enough money for 112,000 litres of fuel.”
“That enabled the medevac of 207 patients in Timor Leste, the evacuation of 101 women and children caught in domestic violence situations in the Northern Territory, and in partnership with the Fred Hollows Foundation, we flew over 2000 isolated Kenyans to get free eye checks.”
MAF is particularly grateful to the support they recieve from Queensland, with their training and maintenance base located in Mareeba, atop the Atherton Tablelands.
“That base is very strategically located,” says Ken. “It services our operations in Arnhem Land as well as across Papua New Guinea and Timor Leste. If you’re ever visiting Cairns or Far North Queensland, you are welcome to visit us in Mareeba!”
A Southern Highlands Health Patrol flight loads up in the PNG city of Mt Hagen (Image: Mandy Glass, supplied MAF Australia).
This year, MAF is aiming to continue funding 140 minutes of daily flying time for the next year. Here’s some of the ways your support of Fuel for Father’s Day can help:
- In Timor-Leste: A 15-minute flight replaces a 4-hour boat journey, saving lives like Filomena’s, who faced severe childbirth complications. Thanks to a recent MAF medevac, both she and her baby survived.
- In Kenya: A 140-minute flight transports eye surgeons from the Fred Hollows Foundation, enabling them to treat over one thousand patients and perform hundreds of sight-restoring surgeries each trip, saving a 17-hour journey by car.
- In Arnhem Land: Flights of around 60 minutes transport students and teachers, saving hours of travel and supporting education.
Supplied MAF Australia.
This year’s campaign highlights the critical need for fuel, especially after recent fuel shortages in Papua New Guinea hindered MAF’s ability to reach remote communities. Ongoing support is crucial to maintain readiness and respond to emergencies.
“Aviation fuel is our operational backbone,” said Chris Barnes, CEO of MAF Australia. “It’s essential for reaching remote communities relying on us for vital services like healthcare.”
The campaign is supported by Australian singer-songwriter Colin Buchanan, who champions MAF’s cause with a dedicated song that echoes its message. Check out Colin’s video below.
“This Father’s Day, join us in making a real impact,” Barnes added. “A $50 jerry can of fuel keeps us in the air for 20 minutes – enough time to save a life. Your support ensures MAF continues serving communities in dire need.”
To contribute or learn more about MAF Australia’s mission, visit www.maf.org.au/fathersday.
“We deeply appreciate Australia’s ongoing generosity,” Barnes concluded. “Together, we can bring help, hope, healing and transformation to the world’s most isolated communities.”
Listen to Alex Milne’s chat with Ken Samuels from MAF Australia in the audio player at the top of the page.
Main Image supplied by MAF Australia.