New ground support for Auckland Rescue Helicopter
John Andrew Ford delivers new ground support
to
Auckland’s Westpac Rescue Helicopter
Media
Statement 15 March 2005
For immediate
use
The Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust (AHRT) can now send help by road as well as by air, courtesy of a donation from John Andrew Ford and Mazda.
In addition to the Westpac Rescue Helicopter, the AHRT now has an Advanced Paramedic vehicle – a Ford Territory – which will operate under the call sign “Tango 5” and will be used to assist the St John Ambulance to deal with Accident and Medical Emergencies in Auckland’s Central Business District and Waterfront areas.
The John Andrew Ford-donated Paramedic vehicle will be joined by a second, a Ford Courier Crew Cab ute, which the AHRT will use to transport flight crews and other personnel and equipment such as fuel tanks to wherever they might be needed.
Ross Moore, the Chief Executive Officer of John Andrew Ford and Mazda, said the dealership is delighted to not only continue, but to enhance, its eight year relationship with the Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust.
“John Andrew Ford and Mazda have an ongoing commitment to both Auckland rugby and netball,” he said.
“But apart from loving our sport, we also believe we have a social responsibility to the people of the Auckland region.
“I cannot think of a better cause to support than the wonderful work done by the crew of Auckland’s Westpac Rescue Helicopter,” Ross Moore said.
As well as providing key operational support for Auckland’s Westpac Rescue Helicopter the distinctive four wheel drives will also be seen at the many school visits and community events that the ARHT crew attend every year.
ARHT CEO, Rea Wikaira, said: “Major support like this is vital to ensure the Trust can continue providing a world class service to the people of the greater Auckland region and Hauraki Gulf.
“We had a great Christmas present with Westpac Bank signing a new five year sponsorship deal late last year, and the two vehicles supplied by John Andrew Ford and Mazda today are a fantastic Easter present,” Mr Wikaira said.
Ends