Call for Northland to give generously to rescue helicopter service

More than 5,400 rescue missions were undertaken by local rescue helicopters around New Zealand last year including just over a thousand patients carried in Northland alone.
 
As part of this month’s nationwide Westpac Chopper Appeal, the Northland Emergency Services Trust (NEST) is asking Northlanders to give generously and get behind their local helicopter.

The appeal aims to raise funds and continued awareness for the 16 charitable rescue helicopter trusts operating around the country, with all donations going back to the region they are collected from.

Westpac’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Sue Foley, says the country’s rescue helicopter services often make a life or death difference for many New Zealanders.

“Thousands of Kiwis will need this service over the coming year – the reality is next time it could be any one of us, a member of our family or a friend,” Foley says. “We’re encouraging as many people as we can to support such a vital service as every donation makes a big difference.”
She says each mission can cost thousands of dollars and includes a mix of ambulance and search and rescue work.

“This could be anything from boating or car accidents, near drownings, broken bones or heart attacks – even emergency births.”
The rescue choppers are like fully equipped intensive care units in the sky providing a dedicated 24-hour, seven day a week service.  
“From a defibrillator for a premature baby to full life support systems, they are equipped to deal with almost any situation,” Foley says.
The majority of funding for this unique service comes from the community – through sponsors like Westpac, a proud supporter for more than 30 years, and other fundraising activities.

NEST Chairman John Bain says contributions from the Northland public support what is a vital service to the region.
“With such large distances to cover between isolated rural communities in Northland, medical assistance by road, particularly in an emergency, is often not practical. The outstanding contribution Northlanders make each year towards the helicopter trust continues to ensure that those who need our assistance can rely on us whenever they might need us.”

Running throughout May, the Westpac Chopper Appeal is supported by open days at the helicopter bases, a variety of fundraising activities in schools and community centres, as well as a nationwide street appeal on Friday May 31.

Westpac funds the marketing and administration costs of the Appeal, and distributes 100 percent of funds raised back to the local rescue helicopter trust.
 
Donations can be made:
■ At any Westpac Branch
■ By texting CHOPPER to 3181 to donate $3
■ Online at www.chopperappeal.co.nz