Our long-time supporters, new friends, councillors and local businesses in Ashburton came to witness the Westpac Rescue Helicopter land at the Ashburton Aviation Museum and hear about an exciting development at the Trust.
Mission 2026 was officially launched in the region, a partnership with GCH Aviation to upgrade our helicopter fleet to the new Airbus H145, with Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) on each craft. In a life-threatening situation, the unique speed and agility of these crafts to fly in difficult weather conditions, makes all the difference, especially when time is of the essence. MISSION 2026 commits to ensuring a world class service delivery with the best technology, medical equipment and training for our brave pilots and crew.
The Trust was overwhelmed with the generosity of spirit in the room and accepted their first donation for the mission from the Ashburton MenzShed, for which we were very grateful. Thank you also to Dale Walden for relaying his experience as a worried father, who would have lost his daughter and unborn granddaughters, had it not been for the swift response of the Westpac Rescue Helicopter. Local resident, Sue Rollinson, also expressed her gratitude to the service and shared that she is a longtime, committed donor. She challenged attendees to also give to this vital service, no matter the amount, as together they can make an impact and support this lifeline in their region. The local Lions clubs were also out in force and will help us to get MISSION 2026, off the ground, with upcoming fundraising.
The Trust is very grateful to all those who attended and pledged their ongoing commitment to help as raise the $1.4 millions needed for MISSION 2026.
Find out more about MISSION 2026 below.
