Coast to Coast boosts chopper fund
At its regular meeting in the Woodville Racecourse Monday February 24 Woodville Lions presented the Palmerston North Rescue Helicopter with a cheque for $16,777 the proceeds from its annual Coast to Coast Motorcycle Event.
This was the 27th running of the Coast to Coast, becoming an institution in that time and involving over 350 motorbikes travelling from Himatangi Beach to Akitio Beach taking in lunch at Woodville and joining the tail of the Woodville Christmas Parade.
In addition to the running of the event a Suzuki GSX 150F was raffled through the sponsorship of Courtesy Motorcycles and Suzuki NZ raising a huge sum which increased the total donated from $15,000 last year. This is the 20th year Phil Turnbull and Courtesy Motorcycles had been a sponsor. Lions member Warren Jones said it was remarkable to have it as a major sponsor for 20 of its 27 years.
The bike draw was won by Sarah-Jane Sowden of Feilding who was phoned during the meeting. She has the choice of the Suzuki GSX150F or a Quad Sport Z50 supplied by Suzuki NZ.
Lions Clive Boyden and Ron Mabey were the instigators of the Coast to Coast, both still active. Ron the chief organiser of the raffle was thanked and Clive led the bikes into Woodville in the Christmas Parade.
MC Warren Jones thanked many of the other major sponsors. In reply Phillips Rescue Helicopter crewman Graeme Spiers said the Trust was very grateful for the donation as it still relied on public funding for 40 per cent of its operations.
“This is the largest contribution over the longest time we receive,” he said.
He outlined the improvements to the operation these contributions make, citing new mechanical ventilators, fluid warmers for hyperthermia sufferers and syringe drivers.
He also reported the addition of two new pilots and some ground crew to add to the permanent medics appointed last year which speeds up the response time.
Stewart Davies of the Phillips Search and Rescue Trust outlined the creation of Central Air Ambulance Rescue Limited which now co-ordinates all helicopter rescue operations from Hamilton to Wellington. This means better use of available services and the coordination of them in a disaster like the White Island eruption.
“Tonight is about acknowledging Woodville Lion’s major effort.
“Community ownership is the key.”