THE Leongatha Knit and Natter group has once again demonstrated the power of community spirit, raising $3200 for the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) Victoria through a partnership with APT Travel Group’s OneTomorrow Charitable Fund.
On February 28, members of the Knit and Natter group were celebrated for their heartfelt contributions at an event held at the Leongatha RSL. The group knitted 80 handmade beanies, which were sold to APT guests in 2024, raising $1600 – a sum that was generously matched by OneTomorrow, doubling the total amount raised. These funds will provide vital support for RFDS, enabling them to deliver essential health care services across Victoria.
The beanies were sold on tour by Tony and Linda Goodlet, dedicated APT driver guides, who added a personal touch to the fundraising efforts. The Knit and Natter group was founded over a decade ago by Marion Cook, Linda’s mum, and has since blossomed into a beloved community initiative.
In a touching gesture, Jill Carmody from Travel Associates Leongatha presented the group with $500 worth of premium wool on behalf of OneTomorrow to further support their ongoing work.
“It’s incredible to see how something as simple as knitting can bring our community together for such an important cause. This is such a wonderful development from APT to have their OneTomorrow Charitable arm support causes like this here in Australia, as well as others overseas,” Jill said at the event.
Elise Wiggins from RFDS Victoria expressed her gratitude to the attendees, stating,
“Community-driven support like this enables us to continue providing essential health care to those in remote and rural areas. The efforts of the Knit and Natter group, alongside the ongoing support of APT’s OneTomorrow Fund, make a real difference to the lives of many and we can’t thank this group enough for their hard work.”
The event featured the presentation of an RFDS Certificate of Appreciation to the group, a display of their beautifully crafted knitted items, and a delicious
local lunch supplied by APT’s OneTomorrow Fund and Leongatha RSL for the group.
It was certainly a day of celebration, community spirit, compassion, and the profound difference that grassroots initiatives can make.
