Christine Doran was humbled to receive an OAM. 48510
By Casey Neill
OLINDA’S Christine Doran has raised more than $75,000 to help cystic fibrosis sufferers.
Her efforts were recognised on Monday with a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the General Division.
The 70-year-old was one of 313 Australians to receive the award in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List.
“It was a bit of a surprise actually,” she said.
“I didn’t even think that anything like that would happen. I don’t fund-raise for that reason and it never entered my head.”
Cystic Fibrosis Victoria nominated Ms Doran for the honour, “for service to the community as a fund-raiser for organisations assisting people with cystic fibrosis”.
She became involved with the foundation almost 20 years ago.
“I did some fund-raising for the Royal Flying Doctors and I enjoyed it so much, and I thought ‘what can I do now?’ ” she said.
“Friends of mine had two children with cystic fibrosis so that’s sort of how it started.”
Since then Ms Doran has held a fund-raising luncheon on the first Wednesday of each March.
“Most of the guests have been coming since I started,” she said.
“If no-one came to the luncheon there wouldn’t be a luncheon, so they’re part of it really.”
The event attracts about 200 and has raised $65,164 for Cystic Fibrosis Victoria over the past 19 years.
Ms Doran has also held two lunches for the Cystic Fibrosis Research Trust at Melbourne’s Royal Children’s Hospital, raising $12,200.
Cystic fibrosis is a life-threatening disorder affecting the lungs and digestive system of more than 3000 Australians.
The cash provides support services to individuals with cystic fibrosis and their families. Ms Doran said her affinity with organising and guest speaker Patricia Begg have kept her hooked on holding on the luncheon.
“She has such interesting topics, so that everybody’s interested,” she said.
Ms Doran was made a Cystic Fibrosis Victoria life member in March, and is a Ferny Creek Horticultural Society life member.
She joined in 1986 on advice from a neighbour.
“I’m part of the furniture now,” she said. “I enjoy gardening.”
Ms Doran is also a member of Belgrave VIEW Club, which raises funds for The Smith Family to help disadvantaged children and their families.
The 20th 65 Roses Luncheon will be held at Tatra Receptions in Mt Dandenong next 2 March. Tickets are $55.
Readers can call Christine Doran on 9751 1564 for bookings and more information.
