Tony and Kerin Brand have quietly supported the Westpac Rescue Helicopters for decades – so quietly, in fact, they can’t recall when they first began. As it turns out, their generosity stretches back 21 years.
“By supporting the rescue helicopters, we know we’re supporting something that’s definitely going to help someone,” Tony says.
Tony and Kerin run Brand Logging Ltd, a logging contractor based at the bottom of Ashley Forest, Brand Mechanical, and Brand Mowers and Chainsaws in Rangiora. They first donated to the Canterbury West Coast Air Rescue Trust in 1999 and have committed thousands in support since then.
“We live in the country, and all our staff live in the country. No one is close to medical care, so our people really rely on the rescue helicopter.”
The Brand businesses employ about 40 staff. Just over half work remotely, with logging teams in the forests around North Canterbury and mechanics out on the road.
Tony has called the Westpac Rescue Helicopter several times. He recalls car accidents where the skill and speed of the rescue helicopter was required and clearly remembers the day the rescue helicopter crew helped save the life of one of his staff, by getting him off the hill and to hospital promptly.
“We were in the forest up the Rakaia Gorge on the side of a steep hill when the accident happened. We set off the personal locator beacon we carry with us. The rescue helicopter arrived quickly, winched him out, and got him to the hospital. The sound of the helicopter arriving was a very good moment.”
Tony’s son, Adam, was also picked up by the rescue helicopter.
“He was working at Balmoral Forest, near Culverden, when he fell off the machine as he was climbing down. The boys found him lying there, unconscious.”
Adam woke up, but it was decided by the St Johns team that he needed to get to hospital.
“It turns out they think his response to the fall was the result of a concussion he had received playing rugby a few days before. He had a night in hospital to keep an eye on him before coming back home.”
Adam still works in the family business, as does Tony and Kerin’s other two children and their son-in-law.
“It’s a real family business and we are proud to donate to the rescue helicopter. You know when you see it flying overhead that someone’s going to be really pleased to see it. It’s good to know our support is helping keep it in the air.”
