Fuel for Father’s Day 2024!
PRESS RELEASE
MAF Australia’s 12th Annual Fuel for Father’s Day Campaign Urges Support for Essential Aviation Fuel
[Sydney, 1 Aug] – Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) Australia launches 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.
A flight of just 15 minutes can make a tremendous impact, so funding 140 minutes of flying each day for 11 years is truly remarkable!
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.
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 latest Fuel for Father’s Day song.
“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.”
For media inquiries, please contact: Eleanor at [email protected].
About MAF Australia
Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) Australia is a non-profit organisation that utilises aviation and technology to reach isolated communities with essential services such as medical care, education, and disaster relief. With a dedicated fleet of aircraft and committed personnel, MAF serves where others cannot, bringing help, hope, healing and transformation to those in need. A MAF plane takes off or lands every 5.6 minutes and in 2025, MAF will be celebrating its 80th year of operations.
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