“During the 2016 Red Cross Calling appeal we raised close to $14,000 in Kiama through local donations,’’ Heidi Smith, Australian Red Cross Kiama Branch president said. 

Mrs Smith said that while the figure of $14,000 fell short of the branch target of $15,000, it was still $1000 more than was raised in 2015.

“This is a fantastic result,” she said. 

“And with the final national tallies yet to come through, Kiama is still in the running for the Chairman’s Shield for most funds raised by a local branch.”

The Chairman’s Shield is presented to the ARC local country branch which raises the most donations through the Red Cross Calling appeal.  

Kiama raised the most donations of any country branch in 2011, 2014 and 2015. 

Following on from Red Cross Calling, ARC Kiama Branch held a Mother’s Day stall.

The stall raised about $600 from sales of baked items such as cakes and slices, as well as preserves all prepared by volunteers using local produce wherever possible.

Ms Smith also said a Mother’s Day raffle will be conducted at the Kiama Pavilion on Saturday, May 7.

“First prize will be a huge hamper with all manner of gifts that will appeal to any mother, so please come along on the day,’’ Mrs Smith said.

Mrs Smith said ARC Kiama could not be successful in its fundraising efforts if not for the ongoing support of local community groups including Kiama Lions, Minnamurra Lions, Kiama Girl Guides, Michael Innes at Kiama council, Blue Haven Aged Care Facility, Kiama Anglican Church and Friends of Kiama Red Cross.