Over $300k raised in Northland Rescue Chopper appeal

 

Northlanders are being thanked for their generosity towards the Northland Rescue Helicopter service following a haul of public donations topping $300k for the second year running.

A record $307k was raised during the 2017 fundraising appeal and with donations still flooding in, that figure could well be topped before Christmas, says Northpower Public Affairs Manager Steve Macmillan.

“We have had massive support from the Northland community yet again in 2018 and we are really appreciative of that,” he says.

“It just shows how much Northlanders value the service and the people involved - be they staff members or volunteers. So many people in the community play a part in the success of the service. Having a world class air ambulance service here in Northland is such good peace of mind for us all knowing that people can be transported to hospital so quickly.”

Principal sponsors Top Energy and Northpower contribute $50k and $100k respectively in annual sponsorship, along with covering the costs of the annual fundraising campaign.

Northland Emergency Services Trust chair Paul Ahlers is also expressing his appreciation to Northlanders.

“Combined with the on-going support of the Northland Regional Council, Oxford Trust and other sponsors in the community, public donations are critical to our success,” says Mr Ahlers.

“The Rescue and air ambulance service in Northland is only partially funded by the Government health agencies and we rely on our community to keep the choppers in the air.

“Already this year we have completed well over 900 flights which is an all-time record and we have not even hit our busiest period, which is just around the corner. Our average flight time is now 84 minutes due to the distances we must travel to save lives.”

Northpower, Top Energy, the Northland Regional Council and the Northland Rescue Helicopter service are all urging Northlanders to stay safe this summer and look out for each other – and tourists to the region – particularly over the busy holiday period.

A new fundraising initiative has been postponed until January but the proceeds will be added to the overall 2018 total.