Turangi Easter auction for rescue helicopter

A charity auction will take place in the Turangi Town Centre, outside the Century 21 office, at 1.00pm on Saturday, 20 April 2019.

Organisers of the popular annual community event, Century 21 Premier (Turangi), say the Greenlea Rescue Helicopter will this year be the recipient of all net proceeds raised.

Last year the Turangi-based real estate business publicly joined others in the campaign to retain the helicopter rescue service for the Taupo-Central Plateau area, including pledging financial support if the service was retained.

“The Greenlea Rescue Helicopter might’ve been saved for the time being. However, we can’t forget its long-term survival relies on continual support, so for 2019 it’s our sole fundraising focus,” says local Century 21 franchise owner, Wai Johnson.

Promoted as ‘This Year Bigger & Better’, a large variety of items are set to go under the hammer in the local mall. They include restaurant vouchers, adventure activities, boating, fishing, firewood, accommodation, household, personal and children’s items, a Coastguard ride and much more.

The auctioneer will be well-known local salesperson Roger Webb, who was Century 21 New Zealand’s Top Salesperson in 2018 for Units (the number of properties listed and sold).

Then in May a charity dinner for the same cause will be organised and hosted by Century 21 (Premier). That night a representative of Greenlea Rescue Helicopter will be presented with a cheque on behalf of the community. The date of the charity dinner in Turangi will be announced at the auction.

“We strongly believe in giving back to the area. Every year we hold a charity auction for local charities and volunteer services, and each year I’ve been blown away by the generosity of our local community,” says Ms Johnson.

Fundraising efforts by Century 21 (Premier) last year saw them raise over $15,000 for St John Youth from both the charity auction and dinner. While in 2017 the real estate business raised much needed funds for the local Coastguard.

“Wai and her team certainly know how to raise money and are totally committed to the local community they serve. Their annual charity auction is an excellent initiative and the Greenlea Rescue Helicopter is the perfect cause,” says Ryan Mitchell, National Manager of Century 21 New Zealand.

The Greenlea Rescue Helicopter has a very personal connection to Wai Johnson. The helicopter rescued her son and his best friend when they capsized on Lake Taupo. She says if it had not been for their fast action in locating the boys in the dark, both would have died.

“The auction will attract a big crowd given its on Easter Saturday and will undoubtedly deliver another fantastic result. A huge thanks to all the local businesses and organisations who have already donated items and the many volunteers busy helping to organise everything,” says Wai Johnson.

For anyone wanting to donate items or for further information call Century 21 (Premier) on (07) 386-7796 or email turangi@century21.co.nz

www.century21.co.nz/turangi

ENDS

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