Fly to the rescue of emergency choppers
New Zealand’s rescue helicopters had their busiest year ever in 2020, going to the assistance of 9032 patients, 1519 more than in 2019, including 1115 in Northland.
Now, the Westpac Chopper Appeal is asking New Zealanders to give generously to help keep the 15 trusts flying.
Westpac NZ chief executive David McLean said the rescue choppers played an important role in allowing New Zealanders to live the New Zealand lifestyle.
“We’re able to work and play in our wonderful country, with the knowledge that if anything were to go wrong, lifesaving help is only minutes away,” he said.
Northland Emergency Services Trust chairman Paul Ahlers said people getting out and about in the months after last year’s Covid-19 lockdown had kept rescue crews busy.
“We all enjoyed being able to travel and enjoy our favourite pastimes again, but that also meant more New Zealanders getting into trouble and needing our services,” he said.
“The number of missions we fly and people we’re able to rescue increases year after year. We rely on the public to continue improving our lifesaving services, and we’re hugely grateful to everyone who’s able to donate even a small amount over the month of May.”
This year Westpac has teamed up with Trade Me to come up with a new way for New Zealanders to support their local rescue helicopter.
Throughout this month, people are encouraged to take part in the Great Chopper Appeal Garage Sale by listing an item on Trade Me (using #chopperappeal) and donating the amount raised from the sale to the appeal.
“What a great way to recycle the treasures that no longer bring you joy, in a sustainable way, and support the rescue choppers at the same time,” Mclean said.
Westpac funded the marketing and administration costs of the appeal, he added, as well as distributing all funds raised back to donors’ local rescue helicopter trust.
For more information, or to make a donation, go to www. chopperappeal.co.nz.