Donations have already begun arriving for Benalla Health as its annual appeal gets underway.

Donation envelopes began arriving in Benalla residents’ mailboxes last week, allowing people again to give generously to the health service.

Board Chair Dr Dennis O’Brien said the Benalla Health Annual Appeal had always been met with a great outpouring of support from all sectors of the community.

This year’s appeal will help provide a bus to transport residents of the Morrie Evans Wing and clients of the Day Activities Centre, both important community services.

“Our residents and clients are lucky enough to enjoy day trips around our great region and purchasing a new bus will allow them to do this in greater comfort,” he said.

“Our current bus is in need of replacement and we look forward to being able to replace this important community asset.

“We have always been extremely thankful to our Benalla community for the support people show us and we hope they can dig deep again this year and assist by providing a donation to the appeal.”

In past years, the appeal has raised significant funds to refurbish the Benalla Health operating theatre, where more than 2200 surgical procedures are performed each year, along with medical equipment for the theatre.

Other past appeals have also provided significant contributions towards the purchase of equipment such as patient monitoring systems, defibrillators, the upgrade and refurbishment of the Urgent Care Centre, refurbishment of the Morrie Evans Wing, a new birthing bed for the Midwifery Unit and an instrument washer for theatre.

Any donation over $2 is tax deductible.

To donate, go online