The crew chief of the Westpac rescue helicopter is calling on the community to back a major fundraising effort as demand for lifesaving missions continues to rise across Canterbury and the West Coast.
Canterbury and ROA Mining Rescue Helicopters have already completed more than 520 missions this year. Crew Chief Rick Knight said the work was vital but could not continue without public support.
“Every time we take off could be the difference between life and death. This is vital work, but we can’t do it alone,” Knight said.
The annual Back to Base Challenge begins on 1 August. It invites people to walk, run, swim or move any way they choose to match the distance of real helicopter missions. Distances range from 9 kilometres, the route from Christchurch Hospital back to the helicopter base, up to 155 kilometres, the distance from Timaru.
Crew Chief Rick Knight
“Whether it’s a medical emergency in a rural area, a serious accident in remote terrain, or a rescue triggered by a personal locator beacon, we’re there. But to keep being there, we need the community’s help,” Knight said.
Last year’s event raised $45,000, with participants taking on the challenge in creative ways, including ocean swims, family treks and solo efforts by people in their 80s.
“Pick a distance, get some sponsors on board and start moving. It does not matter how you do it. Every step supports the work of our rescue crews,” Knight said.
There are 39 crew members working across the service, operated by GCH Aviation. Knight said physical and mental fitness were essential for the intense and often dangerous work involved in air rescue.
The fundraiser supports MISSION 2026, the biggest upgrade in the rescue service’s 40-year history. It includes a new fleet of H145 helicopters, advanced training, new equipment and the rollout of Instrument Flight Rules, allowing crews to operate in poor weather conditions. The changes are expected to boost response capacity by around 20 percent.
Canterbury West Coast Air Rescue Trust CEO Christine Prince said the goal was to raise $1.4 million to help fund the transformation.
“Please join our Back to Base challenge. Every dollar helps save lives. With challenge distances starting at just 9 kilometres, anyone can be part of this,” Prince said.
Participants who raise more than $100 will receive a rescue helicopter pin. Those who raise over $250 will earn a medal, and the top fundraiser will win a scenic flight for two, courtesy of GCH Aviation.
To take part, visit www.backtobase.co.nz
