Life-saving service gets funds boost

Auction, surprise $100,000 donation for rescue chopper

The team behind the Greenlea Rescue Helicopter are usually the ones to extend a helping hand in a time of need. At their recent gala dinner, however, it was their turn to be given a boost by the community.

The glitzy event on October 29 at the Hilton Lake Taupō involved a spirited auction, live music and an emotional speech about the impact the Search and Rescue service has on those who need it most.

Local businesses including Embra Restaurant, Kai Waho and even the community police force donated lots to the auction, which attracted large bids from attendees. In all, an impressive $45,000 was bid.

The biggest surprise of the night, however, came when Greenlea Premier Meats managing director Tony Egan made a special donation, in the form of a $100,000 cheque.

Although Greenlea supports several charities, he said, “this one is very dear to our hearts”. He spoke of the “passion, commitment and bravery of the people that work on the helicopter”, and the importance of community support for such a vital service.

His sentiments were echoed by Vanessa Slingsby, who has seen firsthand the difference what the availability of a swift transfer to hospital can make.

In her speech, she shared the story of how the search and rescue team came to her family’s aid.

Her husband Brook, an engineer in Taupō, was involved in a serious workplace accident. A 20-minute transfer to Waikato Hospital by the Greenlea Rescue Helicopter allowed him to receive life-saving treatment for his extensive injuries, including brain damage and many broken bones.

Thanks in no small part to the team’s quick action, Brook is on the road to recovery.

Vanessa said she could not begin to imagine what might have happened without it.

She admitted struggling to express how grateful she is for the service. Instead, she shared the simple but effective message from her young daughter Mckenzie to the staff, sponsors and donors of the Greenlea Rescue Helicopter: “Thank you, thank you, thank you.”