Rescue Helicopter team joins forces with Hear4U to deliver relief boxes to rural communities

Trust Tairāwhiti Eastland Rescue Helicopter team with the relief boxes. From left crewman Whatarangi “Hec” Heke, pilot Mike Fitzgerald and critical care flight paramedic Lachie Clarke, who received them from Hear4U general manager Krissy Mackintosh and her support worker Jess O’Dwyer.

The Trust Tairāwhiti Eastland Rescue Helicopter team made space for some “awhi” (relief) boxes, courtesy of Gisborne mental health advocacy group Hear4U this week.

The boxes were left with whānau in need or in places like community centres or with East Coast ambulance staff, where they could be taken to those in remote locations.

The boxes contained all sorts of special treats.

“As accessibility for so many rural households is once again cut off, we want our rural communities to know that they are in our thoughts,” Hear4U general manager Krissy Mackintosh said.

The Hear4U special Kia Kaha Tairāwhiti event at the War Memorial Theatre on Sunday afternoon has so far received 300 registrations. “The timing of it after the last rain could not be better to help everyone feel better.”