Canterbury community give big at Westpac Chopper Gala
An outpouring of generosity was on display at the annual Westpac Chopper Gala & Charity Auction, with the event raising an unprecedented $240,000 for the lifesaving service.
Guests were enthralled by the ‘Alpine’ theme of this year’s event, held at the Christchurch Town Hall. Fire and Ice cocktails were offered on arrival, which put guests in the draw to win a $30,000 spa generously donated by Alpine Spas (www.alpinespas.co.nz).
The 270-strong crowd fell silent as MC Miriama Kamo spoke with Roz Koning and Critical Care Paramedic Hernan Holliday in an emotional reunion. Roz spoke of her experience being trapped in a West Coast river and how she credited Hernan and crewman Zack with saving her life.
But among the emotion was much laughter as guests enjoyed exquisite food and beverages and celebrated the Canterbury West Coast Air Rescue Trust’s announcement of the purchase of four H145 helicopters in the biggest modernisation the rescue helicopter service has ever seen.
News the first H145 helicopter is scheduled to arrive in New Zealand later this month motivated the crowd’s spirited bidding for the live auction items, which included a private jet trip to Queenstown generously donated by GCH Aviation.
Our heartfelt thanks to our venue sponsor Venues Ōtautahi, to ANZCO for the most delicious beef and lamb that graced the plates, and to Stewart Dawson, who made one lucky lady’s night with the Diamond in the Glass raffle!
And our final thanks goes to our incredible partner and principal sponsor Westpac NZ and our wonderful supporters there on the night. We couldn’t do it without you!
