Media Release

Air Angels N.Z. need help

They have no accommodation arranged and they have no money for expenses and basic necessities, but New Zealand's Air Angels leave tomorrow for the starting line of the 12-day Around New Zealand Air Race.

Zali Brookes and Sandra Shallard are racing to raise urgently needed money for skylight Children's Trust. skylight is a national charitable organisation which assists children, young people and their families deal with significant issues around change, loss and grief. It provides counselling, books and resources, and training.

"We have promised to compete in this race to raise money for skylight which needs financial support," says team leader, Zali Brookes.

"We're really determined, we've surmounted huge obstacles and we leave for the starting line tomorrow.

"We're hoping someone will recognise our passion and commitment and support it with some of their own. They'll be assisting an extremely worthwhile organisation which does a tremendous amount of good in the community."

Ms Brookes and Shallard are the only all-female NZ-based crew in the in the full-throttle division of the international air race, which is attracting up to 60 planes from around the world.

Based in Dunedin and representing the Otago Aero Club, the two women were caught very short when a major supporter had to withdraw.

However, they will compete in the race, which stops in over 20 locations around the country, despite not having accommodation arranged, or money to pay the bills.

As part of their fund-raising mission, Ms Brookes and Shallard will fly from Taieri Aerodrome in Dunedin to Whenuapai where the Around New Zealand Air Race begins on March 29. They are flying a Cessna 172, single engine, four seater plane.

Anyone able to assist with donations, sponsorship or accommodation should contact Zali Brookes on the Angel Hotline 027-257-3907 or on 021-0454-635. The Air Angels also need a digital camera and a laptop to record their flight.

ENDS

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