FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

28 March 2014

Westpac Rescue Helicopter to land at KCE Community Fun Day

King Country communities will have the chance to get up close and personal with the Westpac Rescue Helicopter and pilots during a King Country Energy (KCE) Community Fun Day in Te Kuiti and Taumarunui on 13 April.

KCE entered into a major associate sponsorship Philips Search & Rescue Trust late last year. The sponsorship specifically contributes to the operational costs of the Westpac Rescue Helicopter that services the Waikato and King Country Region.

KCE Retail Business Manager, Helen Peacock says the Community Fun Day is an opportunity to raise awareness of the Westpac Rescue Helicopter services.

“The King Country region is remote, with many residents being a long drive away from the nearest hospital. Therefore, access to the Westpac Rescue Helicopter – which provides an essential 24/7 emergency response link – is vital to our more geographically isolated region.” she said.

Just last week a Taumarunui farmer was airlifted by the helicopter after being attacked by wasps on her isolated block of land.

“It’s important to us that the helicopter is empowered to function to its full potential, so it can best service emergencies such as this. We look forward raising awareness at our Community Fun Day,” said Peacock.

The Community Fun Day is a family event and will include bouncy castles, face painting, a sausage sizzle fundraiser and photo opportunities with the Westpac Rescue Helicopter pilots.

Community members are also invited to enter a draw before the Community Fun Day to win a flight in the Westpac Rescue Helicopter as part of the event. Entry forms are handed out at local schools prior to the event and can also be found on KCE’s website.

Trust marketing manager Kylie Harcourt is enthusiastic about the Community Fun Day event.

“Philips Search & Rescue Trust aims to provide the highest standard of air ambulance, rescue and search services to the regional community. We are excited about this KCE Community Fun Day event and are confident that KCEs sponsorship, and their dedication to raising the profile of the helicopter, will contribute to lives saved,” said Harcourt.

KCE’s sponsorship arrangement extends through until December 2016 and will be reviewed annually.

The Te Kuiti event will be at Te Kuiti Domain from 12pm-3pm. The Taumarunui event will be at Tuhua Domain from 9:30am-12:30pm. Both events are on 13 April.

For more information about KCE and the Community Fun Day event, visit kce.co.nz.

For more information about Philips Search & Rescue Trust, visit http://www.rescue.org.nz/.

-ENDS-

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