All Blacks Open-side Flanker Richie McCaw has challenged New Zealand school students to mobilise funds for the ‘Westpac Chopper Appeal 2011,’ saying that he would visit the winning school for a photo opportunity with the students.
The Chopper Appeal began on May 2 and will run through until the end of the month, with students raising money for the cause.
McCaw, who is Westpac’s Ambassador, will visit the winning school in a Westpac Rescue Helicopter.
“I look forward to touching down at the winning school, wherever in New Zealand that may be. The idea is to have fun while raising as much money as possible for your local Rescue Chopper.
You never know when you, your family or a friend might find themselves in a life or death situation and need the Chopper,” he said.
Westpac has been supporting Rescue Choppers for the past 30 years.
It is the major sponsor of the Auckland, Waikato, Wellington and Canterbury Westpac Rescue Helicopters and Waikato Air Ambulance and helps all other regional helicopter services through the Westpac Chopper Appeal.
Operated by 16 charitable trusts nationwide, many of the choppers act as ‘Flying Intensive Care Units,’ providing dedicated service round-the-clock.
Westpac National Sponsorship Manager Mark Graham said that more than 5000 New Zealanders considered the sound of a chopper’s rotor blades as the sound of a second chance in 2010.
From a defibrillator for a premature baby to full life support systems, the helicopters are equipped to deal with almost any situation, he said.
“A majority of funding for this unique service comes from the community, sponsors like Westpac and other fundraising activities.
“Without the support of New Zealanders, many helicopter emergency rescues would not happen,” he said.
Mr Graham said Westpac funds the marketing and administration costs of the Helicopter Appeal so that 100% of the funds raised can go to the local Rescue Helicopter Trusts.
Among the supporters of the national Westpac Chopper Appeal are Open Days at select Rescue Helicopter bases, sale of a special limited edition range of Huffer gear and fundraising activities such as auctions and a nationwide street appeal on May 20.
Donations of $3 each can be made by texting ‘Chopper’ to 3181 or $20 by calling 0900-4246-7737. Donations can also be made at any Westpac branch.
