In 2013, a group of women called “The Tatas” began a dedicated fundraising effort that resulted in a $6,000 fund to help islanders mitigate the cost of ferry tickets for off-island medical treatment.

This incredible outcome would not have been possible without the generous support of the Orcas community and the work of those wonderful ladies.

Orcas Family Connections has been managing The Tatas’ funds for the past year and is now campaigning to redevelop it so that we may continue to provide relief to individuals burdened by the high cost of off-island medical travel. This fund is critically important and OFC is counting on local support so that we may continue to offer a helping hand to all of our island community.

The 2014-2015 target for the Orcas Ferry Ticket fund is $6,500, and they hope that the community will be a part of achieving this goal. Just $25 covers the cost of an inter-island ferry ticket, which provides access to the Peace Health Hospital in Friday Harbor, and $50 covers the cost of a round-trip Anacortes fare.

“These donations are much appreciated and we look forward to forming partnerships with the businesses and community members of Orcas Island,” say organizers.

OFC would like to extend a special thank you to the Island Market for being its first commercial donor.

Donations can be made via check payable to Orcas Family Connections and mailed to PO Box 931, Eastsound, WA 98245 or through the PayPal link on their website www.orcasconnections.org.

OFC is a registered 501c(3) nonprofit corporation. Federal Tax ID# 27-2823485, Washington State UBI# 603-022-964.