Northpower safe, reliable, hassle free service.

Electricity Rescue Helicopter Appeal lifts off

Published on November 9^th 2011, 10:23am

Appeal envelopes are being distributed throughout the North now and major sponsors, Northpower and Top Energy, hope to better last year’s combined fundraising total of $264,360 by topping the $300,000 mark.

This week the rescue helicopter team was in action plucking two men from the sea after their boat capsized and they clung to a chilly bin for seven hours off Northland’s coast.

The Electricity Rescue Helicopter is owned and operated by the Northland Emergency Services Trust (NEST) which based in Whangarei.

Since its launch in November 1988, Northland’s only independent rescue helicopter service has transported more than 12,000 locals and saved more than 1700 lives.

NEST’s chairman John Bain said there was increasing demand for the service and additional funding was urgently need.

“There is no doubt our workload is climbing. In fact we expect our patient numbers to lift by almost 6 per cent in the next year which will push our annual flights to more than 700,” Mr Bain said. “It puts a strain on our finances because the cost of running a helicopter is extremely high. So anything people can give is greatly appreciated because this service is vital for Northland.”

With Top Energy and Northpower combining to back the service with $150,000 in sponsorship annually, Top Energy CEO Russell Shaw hopes that figure will be doubled by public donations during the 2011 appeal. “The value of a 24-hour rescue helicopter service like this is undeniable. It provides an emergency response link to every one of Northland’s geographically isolated communities who would otherwise struggle to access emergency services at short notice,” Mr Shaw said.

Donations can be made using the official form and freepost envelope delivered to letterboxes throughout the Far North, Kaipara and Whangarei regions. Those who donate $5 or more can be in to win one of 30 rides in the Electricity Rescue Helicopter.

The Northern Advocate

Back to Top