Community again helps keep chopper in the air

Community again helps keep chopper in the air

The Northland community has raised a total of $151,396.51 in public donations, under the 2003 Electricity Rescue Helicopter Appeal, which officially closed last Monday. The total amount of funds raised will be handed to the Northland Emergency Services Trust (NEST) which operates the Electricity Helicopter service.

Jointly promoted by Official Sponsors, Top Energy and Northpower through a high-profile media campaign, the Appeal raised funds which will go directly towards the ‘standing costs’ of operating the Electricity Rescue Helicopter service, including such things as pilot’s wages, insurance, interest on loans and flight crew training.

Top Energy and Northpower have been involved with the Electricity Rescue Helicopter since 1988 and have helped raise more than $2 million, to help keep the machine in the air.

Said Top Energy Chief Executive, Roger de Bray, “Far North residents have again shown their generosity - especially those who donated significant amounts of their Top Energy Consumer Trust dividend payment. We are grateful. I’m sure also that everyone involved takes comfort in the fact that every cent raised in these Appeals goes directly to the cause – keeping the machine operating.”

Mr Gatland, Northpower’s Chief Executive said, “After a slow start to the appeal this year the people of Northland have once again shown support for the Electricity Helicopter. We all realise that the Helicopter is a vital part of Northland’s emergency services and together we get the opportunity to give a little to the service that could one day save our life.”

Top Energy and Northpower wish to publicly thank Northland residents who supported the appeal and are please to pass the donations on to NEST, on their behalf.

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