Rescue helicopter appeal takes off with local fundraising drive
Takaka’s Westpac staff will give the local rescue helicopter service a boost this month when they bring the local community wacky hair days for the schools, raffles with prizes donated by local businesses, and a cake stall on appeal day (21 May) outside Fresh Choice Takaka.
Golden Bay St John Ambulance chair Stu Chalmers said that the the value of the rescue helicopter could not be over-estimated,
“There’s absolutely no doubt that, in many cases, the time factor is not in the best interests of the patient and time can be crucial. The rescue helicopter is by far the quickest and most comfortable way to transport patients over the Hill,” said Stu.
Our area’s Summit Rescue Helicopter undertook 57 missions in the Golden Bay region in 2009. In addition to the $40,000 per annum for training, it costs approximately $3,500 each time the helicopter comes to the Bay.
“This service is truly a life-saving operation, and everyone has a role in keeping New Zealand’s rescue helicopters in the skies,” says Aneka Rurehe, Westpac’s event co-ordinator for Takaka. “It’s really important to play our part and raise both awareness of this vital service and much-needed funds as well.”
The country’s rescue helicopter services provide a dedicated 24-hour, seven-day-a-week service that makes a life-or-death difference for thousands of New Zealanders every year. Last year the rescue helicopters completed thousands of missions, from airlifting passengers off sinking boats to transporting hospital patients in need of urgent medical care.
“The helicopters are such a vital emergency service, but they depend on the generosity of our community to stay in the air,” says Aneka.
All the funds raised in Golden Bay will go back to our local rescue helicopter trust, the Nelson/Marlborough Helicopter Trust, which operates the Summit Rescue Helicopter.
Aneka said that the bank staff would be busy baking for the cake stall on Friday 21 May but that they would be happy to accept any donated cakes to sell as well.
“There’s not many of us, and we’d like the cake stall to last a while,” says Aneka.
Cash donations for this year’s appeal can be made: at Westpac; by texting CHOPPER to 4483 to make a $3 donation; by phoning 0900 4 CHOPPER (0900 424 67737) to make a $20 donation; or www.chopperappeal.co.nz.
Submitted
