Airport firefighters hitting tarmac for good cause
The Invercargill Airport firefighting team is taking to the runway, the airplane kind, with a touch of fun fashion for a good cause.
In an effort to raise awareness and funding for Ronald McDonald House, members of the team will walk the length of the runway on Sunday.
The Ronald McDonald House Charity’s House to House Challenge, asks individuals and teams to walk, run, or bike 2.1km, 21km, or 210km over the month of March.
The lengths reflect the average distance of 210km that families travel for their hospitalised children.
For the firefighters at the airport, the desire to raise funds was personal.
Airport firefighter Sarah King said, “we see many medical flights come and go. Our hearts go out to families needing specialist care for their wee ones.”
At 2.21 kilometres long, the sealed runway was the perfect length for the seven-strong team who aimed to start walking in a range of costumes from about 1.30pm.
During the past month the crew had designed and created cardboard airplane costumes.
Decorated with props including planes, a helicopter and a fire appliance, they have gone all out to make it a fun spectacle.
“We have a tight knit team here and everyone is incredibly caring,” King said. “I think our costumes will definitely raise some smiles.”
Funds raised would support Ronald McDonald House family rooms, which offered relatives a place to rest and recharge away from their child’s bedside.
The Southland Hospital family room contained communal facilities for meals and snacks, games and activities for siblings and four overnight bedrooms, which are allocated on a daily basis to those with the greatest need.
Airport chief executive Stuart Harris said Ronald McDonald House provided excellent support to families travelling to get care.
“We often see these families passing through the airport and I think it’s fantastic to see the effort our fire team is going to for this fundraiser.”
The fire team was already close to its $500 goal but keen to raise as much as possible. Supporters can donate at https:// housetohouse.org.nz/t/invercargill-airportfire.
Invercargill Airport operations lead Corey Diack was also aiming to raise $1000 by running and biking 210km over the course of March.