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Home > Community > Press Releases > Press Releases 2006 > Electricity Rescue Helicopter 2005 Appeal Thursday 2nd February Electricity Rescue Helicopter 2005 AppealNorthpower and Top Energy joint sponsors of the Electricity Rescue Helicopter presented NEST (Northland Emergency Services Trust) with a cheque for $162,737 today, being the amount raised during the 2005 Appeal. NEST, set up to operate Northland's independent emergency helicopter service, receives no direct government funding and relies on the generosity of the Northland community to maintain its rescue services. Top Energy and Northpower have jointly run an appeal on behalf of Northlanders since 1992, meeting the cost of a high-profile advertising campaign, so that 100% of all money raised by the public goes to supporting the Electricity Rescue Helicopter service. Last year the campaign helped to raise the largest sum of money donated since the 2000 Appeal. Donations were received consistently throughout the Appeal and thanks to the Northland community, the standing costs ‘of the helicopter, such as pilots' wages, insurance, interest on loans, and training will be covered for another year. NEST, Top Energy and Northpower would like to thank all those who donated. Northpower's Marketing Manager Darren Mason said today that the company had been associated with the Electricity Rescue Helicopter for the last 14 years and each year the people of Northland contribute immensely to this worthwhile cause. "The Rescue Helicopter is an extremely significant service and we are pleased to see the community supports it so wholeheartedly. The appeal is successful because the Northland community recognises the value and importance of this service". Roger deBray Top Energy Chief Executive said, "Many of our community members live and work in remote areas and, since healthcare changes have removed much of our rural healthcare capability, the Electricity Rescue Helicopter provides a vital link to emergency services. We're delighted to once again help support this service." NEST Chairman John Bain said the Electricity Rescue Helicopter had carried over 550 patients in 2005 and the NEST team really enjoyed providing this service. Mr Bain also said the US manufactured Sikorsky S-76A helicopter has two engines, and is operated by 2 pilots at all times which are added safety factors when operating at night or in bad weather conditions. He said that Northland has one of the fastest rescue helicopters in the country. "The Sikorsky flies at a cruise speed of 155 knots which is equivalent to approximately 300 kilometres per hour using 330 litres of fuel per hour", he said. For more information please contact:Darren Mason Roger de Bray |
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