Open day a chance to share the love

The BayTrust Rescue Helicopter open day is on this Sunday. Photo/File

Valentine's Day is the perfect opportunity to show some love to the people who are there when we most need them.

And the BayTrust Rescue Helicopter is one group in our community who deserve some extra attention.

They are the people who pick up the pieces when things go wrong from road, forestry, farm, tramping and hunting accidents to search and rescue operations, and inter-hospital transfers, throughout the central North Island.

This weekend the rescue service is flinging open its doors to the public to give a behind the scenes look at how they operate.

It's an opportunity for the Rotorua public to let them know how much we appreciate them in return.

"It's the chance to meet the pilot and crew and see the real people who are flying the chopper. They will show people the equipment they use and the procedures they go through to get to people when it's often a matter of minutes to save a life," said BayTrust sponsor liaison Nadine Rogers.

She said the main reason for the day was to raise awareness of the work of the rescue helicopter.

Other emergency services will also be giving demonstrations such as police dogs and armed offenders dogs and there will be a kids' area as well as coffee and food.

Members of the public will also have the chance to win a flight in the helicopter and there is a silent auction for other prizes donated by local businesses.

Gold coin donations will be gratefully accepted by the trust.

The details:

* What: Open Day BayTrust Rescue Helicopter

* Where: Rotorua Hospital

* When: Sunday 10am-2pm

* Cost: Free. Donations gratefully accepted.