The Greenlea Rescue Helicopter team is sending a massive thank you to the incredible community of supporters who rallied behind their recent Winch Challenge Campaign, bringing the team significantly closer to reaching their ambitious fundraising goal of $616,071.00

The campaign, launched to fund a vital rescue winch for the helicopter crew, received a huge boost thanks to the extraordinary generosity of the Greenlea Foundation Trust, who came on board as a dollar-matching partner. This effectively doubled the impact of every donation made and inspired many more to contribute.

“Greenlea Premier Meats has proudly sponsored the Taupo-based Greenlea Rescue Helicopter for 12 years, said Tony Egan, Managing Director of Greenlea Premier Meats and representative of the Greenlea Foundation Trust. With winch missions more than doubling in the past four years, we knew this Challenge was a cause that needed our support.”

Philips Search and Rescue Trust (PSRT), the charity responsible for the helicopter’s fundraising efforts, has made fantastic progress toward their target. The new winch is a critical piece of equipment that enables Critical Care Flight Paramedics to reach patients in hard-to-access locations — where timely intervention can mean the difference between life and death.

“While we haven’t quite reached the finish line yet — with just $24,728.85 left to raise — we’re incredibly encouraged by the momentum,” said Vanessa Richmond, General Manager of PSRT.

“We’re also excited to launch our upcoming Chopper Appeal, with loads of community events and opportunities to get involved and help us cross that final hurdle.”

Join Us at the Greenlea Rescue Helicopter Open Day – 11 May 2025

The community is invited to celebrate progress and see the winch in action at the Greenlea Rescue Helicopter Open Day:

Greenlea Rescue Helicopter Hangar, 32 Anzac Memorial Drive, Taupō

Sunday 11th May 2025 | 11:00am – 2:00pm

It’s a fun-filled, family-friendly day where attendees can meet the rescue crew, witness live demos, and learn how emergency services work together to save lives.

From everyone at the Greenlea Rescue Helicopter: thank you. This campaign is a shining example of what can be achieved when a community comes together for a life-saving cause.

Because you never know when you’ll need us.

Donate Today: https://give.rescue.org.nz/event/greenlea-rescue-helicopter/donate

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