The rescue crew were the stars of the show at this year’s Westpac Chopper Gala, which raised more than $180,000 for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter services across Canterbury and the West Coast.
Held at One NZ Stadium, the Westpac Chopper Gala & Charity Auction opened with a dazzling display simulating a real-life rescue. First, the 330-strong crowd had their attention grabbed by the sound of a chopper being dispatched. Then, rescue helicopter paramedic Karen winched down from the roof of One NZ Stadium onto the field below, a world first!
It was an incredible display that set the scene for a night full of entertainment, generosity, and exceptional food and beverages. There were also moments of raw emotion as MC Samantha Hayes spoke with Rob Reynish and Critical Care Paramedic Kath about the day Kath saved Rob’s life following a boating accident. Their story highlighted the incredible skill required for highly technical rescues.
The Diamond in a Glass raffle sold out in record time, with one lucky attendee walking away with a stunning 18ct gold 0.60ct Diamond Lotus Pendant, generously donated by Walker & Hall.
Laughter filled the stadium as Harcourts Holmwood auctioneers Dan Pengelly and Kyle Siebert entertained the crowd while the hammer went down on 12 exceptional live auction items. Meanwhile, the silent auction gathered pace, with more than 65 items snapped up by those in the room and by bidders participating from home.
Canterbury West Coast Air Rescue Trust CEO Anton Drazevic spoke to the crowd about the extraordinary impact their support has made, saying the Trust’s investment in new state-of-the-art helicopters, a cutting-edge simulator, and additional medical technology will help the crew save more lives, more often.
Westpac NZ CEO Catherine McGrath described the rescue helicopters as “hospitals in the sky”, saying that for those who need them, there is no more welcome sound than that of an approaching chopper.
Our most heartfelt thanks go to venue sponsor Venues Ōtautahi and ANZCO for the delicious beef and lamb enjoyed by guests. Thank you also to Alpine Rescue Canterbury for the planning and safety work behind Karen’s spectacular abseil from the stadium roof, and to Rob Reynish and Critical Care Paramedic Kath for sharing Rob’s remarkable rescue story.
Finally, our sincere thanks go to our incredible partner and principal sponsor, Westpac NZ, and to our wonderful supporters who joined us on the night. Your commitment to the rescue helicopter service is extraordinary. We couldn’t do it without you!
