Rescue helicopter trust receives $5500 in donations

Mosgiel District Lions Club members visit the Otago Southland Rescue Helicopter Trust last week, bringing a donation of $1500. Pictured are (from left) club president Andrew Lawrence, critical care paramedic Sam Horn, club project convener Sandra Ramsay, club member Lynne Smith and paramedic Maddy Smith. Photos: Brenda Harwood

The impressive sight of rescue helicopters, prepped and ready to go, greeted representatives of community organisations who visited with donations on Friday.

Mosgiel District Lions Club president Andrew Lawrence, project convener Sandra Ramsay and member Lynne Smith were impressed with the technology on display when they visited to hand over a $1500 donation.

The club, which has supported the trust for many years, held a fundraising fashion parade in conjunction with Mosgiel clothing store Caroline Eve, raising $2000.

The helicopter trust received $1500, and $500 went to Hato Hone St John Ambulance.

Mrs Ramsay said the fashion parade had been a fun occasion, involving club members as models, with paramedics from the helicopter trust helping out on the night.

Dunedin Autospectacular 2022 representatives get a close look at the new rescue helicopter while handing over a $4000 donation to the Otago Southland Rescue Helicopter Trust last week. Pictured are (from left) critical care paramedic Sam Horn, Otago Early Falcon and Fairlane Car Club representative Russell Gilchrist, Otago Classic Motoring Club representative Tom Churchill and paramedic Maddy Smith.

Dunedin Autospectacular 2022 representatives Russell Gilchrist, of Otago Early Falcon and Fairlane Car Club, and Tom Churchill, of Otago Classic Motoring Club, were also on hand to present $4000 raised through the event, held at the Edgar Centre in September.

Mr Gilchrist said car clubs from throughout the region took part in the event, organised by the two car clubs, and it was good to be able to make a donation.

The Otago Southland Rescue Helicopter service is operated by Helicopters Otago Ltd (HeliOtago) from its bases in Dunedin and Queenstown and provides critical medical help to the communities of southern New Zealand.

It is a partially Government-funded community service supported by donations and sponsorships from individuals and organisations .

brenda.harwood@thestar.co.nz