It seemed like Christmas came early for Reagan Boag yesterday. The 3-year-old and his father Francis joined more than 2000 people at the Bay Trust Rescue Helicopter open day at the Rotorua hospital grounds and Reagan was delighted with what was on show.
"My son loves helicopters, he has since birth,
so today is a huge treat for him," Mr Boag said.
"It's been awesome too, seeing all the different services and getting a close-up of the vehicles - all the guys have been really friendly as well," the Ngongotaha resident said.
With face painting, police dog displays and exhibitions from all emergency and rescue organisations, as well as the rescue helicopter, there was plenty to keep the crowd occupied and informed about how much work is involved in saving lives.
Neil Dodds, base manager and pilot for the Bay Trust Rescue Helicopter, said the day was a big success.
"It is way better than we expected. It's really good to see the locals of Rotorua taking an active interest in what we do."
Responding to about 125 call-outs annually, Mr Dodds said he and his team helped people in all types of emergency situations.
"Possibly the biggest buzz you get is having someone walk through the door and saying thanks ... having a part in their recovery, making it possible for them to have a chance of recovery."
Along with money raised through raffles, food sales and an auction yesterday - which is still to be tallied - the helicopter service was given a new defibrillator by the Rotorua North Rotary Club.
Instead of spending money to celebrate the 25th anniversary of their charter, the club decided to put the funds towards a worthy cause.
"[Bay Trust Rescue Helicopter] actually approached us [to say] that there was a need and we decided it was better to put something back into the community than to have a party", club president John Sefton said.
Half the $37,000 needed was raised by the Rotorua North Rotary Club, along with the district office. Sovereign Trust contributed the rest.
