Thanks for supporting the chopper

Lowe Corporation Rescue Helicopter needs help to continue. Farmlands is now a Platinum Sponsor.

Support from the individuals, groups and businesses helps to keep the Lowe Corporation Rescue Helicopter crew flying lifesaving missions across the Hawke's Bay region.

Farmlands have come on board to support the Hawke's Bay Helicopter Rescue Trust as a Platinum Sponsor. The sponsorship formalises the work carried out by Farmlands staff who have been helping support the Rescue Helicopter Trust for a number of years with the annual fishing competitions, in-store appeals and golf days.

Allister Bathgate, Farmlands general manager marketing said it made good practical sense for Farmlands to support the Rescue Helicopter Trust with the strong connection to the rural community.

"The Rescue Helicopter crew have helped a lot of Farmlands shareholders and customers and it makes good sense to be involved with an essential and vital service," Mr Bathgate said.

A major part of the drive to support the Rescue Helicopter Trust has been from Hastings business manager, Noel Houston who was a founding member of the Rescue Helicopter Trust. "The Rescue Helicopter Trust has been a charity that I've continued to support over the years. It all started with my involvement with the Waimarama Surf Club which led to being a founding member of the trust. It is great to be helping the trust again with my role at Farmlands. Farmlands support a number of charities and it is definitely rewarding to see how you can help the Hawke's Bay community," Mr Houston said.

Each year the Hawke's Bay Helicopter Rescue Helicopter Trust fundraises $1.2 million to operate the service. Louise Harvey, Rescue Helicopter Trust marketing and fundraising manager said the trust is extremely pleased to have Farmlands on board as a major supporter.

"Noel and the Hawke's Bay Farmlands team have been really proactive with helping to raise funds for the rescue helicopter service for a number of years.

"The donations and sponsorships we receive from individuals and businesses really do make a difference to helping to operate the free 24/7 rescue helicopter operation," Ms Harvey said.