A total $1.4 million has been raised
Westpac NZ has teamed up with community groups to deliver a hugely successful Chopper Appeal Month in May, with a total $1.4 million raised for New Zealand’s rescue helicopters.
The figure is up by nearly 10% on last year’s effort, and includes $245,095 raised in the Auckland region, which will directly fund the Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust.
Sarah Hearn, Westpac NZ general manager of product, sustainability, and marketing, thanked everyone who donated to help keep rescue choppers in the air.
“This year’s weather events around the country have underlined how important it is to have help close at hand, no matter where you live,” Hearn said. “The choppers fly about 25 missions a day around the country and are literally saving lives around the clock…
“Helping keep communities safe through our support of the chopper is a big part of who we are. We know many families are doing it tough at the moment, which is why we’re especially grateful for New Zealanders’ generosity this year, whether the donations were large or small.”
Fundraising efforts organised by Westpac staff and community groups included:
- Westpac Chopper Bike Ride from Queenstown to Invercargill, which raised $160,000
- Chopper Street Appeal Day on May 4 (5 May in Canterbury), raising $60,000 nationwide
- Westpac Matamata Branch quiz night, which raised $26,000
- Westpac TaupÅ Golf Tournament, which raised $7,500
- Doggy Day Out in Masterton, which raised nearly $2,000
People can donate to Chopper Appeal year-round. For more information about the initiative, visit www.chopperappeal.co.nz.
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