Editorial: Time to give for rescue chopper

The Bay's rescue helicopter is a critical part of our community.

The TrustPower TECT Rescue Helicopter flies to major accident scenes and medical emergencies, reaching people in their hour of need and saving lives.

It's hard to imagine a comprehensive emergency services system without it.

But it is a challenge paying for it.

The chopper has an annual operating budget of more than $1.2 million, with about half coming from the community, Friends of the Rescue Helicopter and corporate channels. The rest comes from the district health board, ACC and police.

In my view, it is wrong the government does not fully fund this service.

It is wrong the helicopter trust, like St John Ambulance, has to ask the community for help when all they are trying to do is help people and save lives.

Now, the people of the Western Bay of Plenty have another chance to help the rescue helicopter service.

The Bay of Plenty Times on Saturday launched its second annual Big Charity Auction, and this time we aim to raise thousands of dollars for the chopper.

Readers can win luxury prizes worth $35,000 by collecting "Big Charity Auction dollars" printed at the top of A2 on weekday editions of the paper.

The dollar amount will vary day to day and the first auction dollars appear today.

Readers can collect as many dollars as possible and bring them along to the Big Charity Auction on Friday, June 29, and bid for one or more of seven prizes, including an 18 carat white diamond ring, a Suzuki scooter, and a trip for the whole family to Rarotonga.

Our journalists will keep readers up-to-date during the auction build-up, and bring you relevant, interesting stories from people involved in the helicopter service and some of the patients who have had to use it.

These articles aim to give readers a better understanding of how the service operates, what drives the people behind it and reflect its importance in the Bay.

Last year, we helped raise more than $5000 for the Child Cancer Foundation.

Like the foundation, the rescue helicopter is such a great cause to be supporting and I am proud to be involved in this fundraising initiative.