Poker run for our chopper

Westpac Chopper Appeal.

Saving lives is the motivation behind the annual Westpac Chopper Appeal Bikes and Car Poker Run in Tokoroa this Saturday.

Westpac Tokoroa manager Emma Jones said the fundraising event will be open to all Harley’s, road bikes, classic cars, and hot rods for $10 as a way of raising money for the Waikato King Country Westpac Rescue Helicopter.

The poker run will travel a four to five hour route starting at the Tokoroa Club with registrations from 8.30am before participants set off at 10am. It will stop for fundraising and refreshments along the way.

‘‘Lots of classic cars take part, we are going to have the whole shebang,’’ she said.

‘‘We did it for the first time last year and we raised just over $10,000. It’s such a cool event and anyone can come along and show their support for the local rescue helicopter.’’

Jones said the rescue helicopter relied on communities for over 50 per cent of its funding, so holding these events was essential.

‘‘On average each mission costs $8900 and that is for only one flight so we are hoping to raise a similar amount of money as we did last year,’’ she said.

‘‘This service is a truly life-saving operation, and everyone has a role in keeping New Zealand’s rescue helicopters in the skies.’’

Jones said if people were unable to make it to the run during the day fundraising events will also be taking place at the Tokoroa Club that evening.

‘‘Entry will be free and there will be lots of fun with loads of prizes,’’ she said.

Donations can also be made at the branch.

reports.