Support The Coastguard This Father's Day

Media Release August 2010

Support The Coastguard This Father's Day

As the second largest maritime search and rescue unit in New Zealand, Tauranga Volunteer Coastguard is dedicated to making Bay of Plenty waterways a safer place for boaties. In the last year alone, the unit has received more than 23,000 radio calls, assisted 180 call-outs and clocked up more than 14,700 volunteer hours.

Funded mostly by member subscriptions and generous sponsors, Tauranga Volunteer Coastguard relies on these donations to keep its vessels in the water.

Next month, Bayfair Shopping Centre will be helping the Tauranga Vounteer Coastguard to spread the word about boating and water safety, while supporting the heroic work it does in the local community. On Sunday 5 September (Father’s Day), the centre will host a special day out for the whole family, including 10 minute seminars on boating and water safety, a raffle giving away great prizes and many opportunities to make a donation to the Tauranga Volunteer Coastguard.

The Tauranga Volunteer Coastguard was formed in 1986 by a group of boat owners and is affiliated to Coastguard New Zealand. It houses the regional headquarters of the Coastguard New Zealand Eastern Region and is operated by approximately 75 highly trained volunteers.

The unit provides two dedicated rescue vessels, has use of aircraft for searching, is networked to emergency services and runs a modern radio repeater network from a dedicated radio control room.

Tauranga Volunteer Coastguard Administration Officer Barry Elshaw says the unit appreciates the ongoing support from members, sponsors and the local community. “We are looking forward to being apart of the Father’s Day celebrations at Bayfair Shopping Centre, and encourage shoppers to make a donation that will help the Tauranga Volunteer Coastguard to make the most of search and rescue, maritime safety and marine education resources.”

Bayfair Shopping Centre Marketing Manager Nina Rivett said, “It is a pleasure to be supporting the Tauranga Volunteer Coastguard and the great work that it does for the local community.

“Many people in the area in some way or another have been influenced by the Tauranga Volunteer Coastguard and with this special event on Father’s Day we hope to encourage our shoppers to support the cause, and create awareness on how to keep safe on the water.”

Father’s Day at Bayfair Shopping Centre – Sunday 5 September
• Shoppers can support the Tauranga Volunteer Coastguard by taking part in the Donate to Dip Competition and by looking out for Coastguard volunteers who will be carrying donation buckets.
• Tauranga Coastguard volunteers will also be in-centre to host 10 minute seminars about boating and water safety.
• The Tauranga Volunteer Coastguard will also be hosting a raffle with some great prizes up for grabs including:
o A 3.6 metre Mac Boat, with motor and trailer;
o A 32” flat screen television;
o A two night stay at the Sebel Trinity Wharf for two people;
o A helicopter ride over the Bay for three people;
o Swimming with the dolphins for two people;
o A handheld VHF radio;
o Fishing rod and reel combos.

ends

© Scoop Media