The Rescue Warriors – a group of 14 Mid Canterbury blokes – has raised more than $360,000 for Canterbury West Coast Air Rescue Trust and the rescue helicopter service.
It was announced this afternoon at a big reveal event at the Ashburton Aviation Museum, at the Ashburton Airport.
The full total of $364,057.45 has made the Rescue Warriors’ fundraising bike ride the largest single community fundraiser since the Trust was established in 1989.
Canterbury West Coast Air Rescue Trust Chair Murray Willocks said in a statement that what the Rescue Warriors had achieved for themselves, the rescue helicopter service, and the community was “unbelievable”.
In February and March this year, the Rescue Warriors cycled the length of New Zealand to raise funds for MISSION 2026, a campaign to modernise the rescue helicopter fleet, invest in new technologies and equipment, and specialist crew training.
Modernisation of the service is now under way.
The Trust has purchased three state-of-the-art H145 rescue helicopters for the Canterbury West Coast service – two are flying now with the third due to join the service in the coming months.
“The Rescue Warriors gave us more than just dollars; they gave us confidence. Their commitment showed us that our community stood firmly behind us, sparked conversations across Mid Canterbury and beyond, and brought our transformation project into the spotlight.”
Bruce Kell, one of the driving forces behind the Rescue Warriors, says the entire Rescue Warriors team was blown away with what they had achieved.
“For me, the ride began as a commitment to my own health and wellbeing – making sure I could keep up with the grandchildren. It grew into a major fundraiser for a cause that will benefit my children, grandchildren, and generations to come,” Kell said.
“The rescue helicopter is a necessity for our rural community, and knowing we’ve helped protect its future is something truly special.”
Willocks said the group’s achievements would echo for generations.
“The Rescue Warriors have raised considerable funds, introduced new supporters to the rescue helicopter service, and brought an awareness to the cause that we could not have achieved on our own.
“Our most heartfelt thanks to the Rescue Warriors and their families for their commitment to this ride and the rescue helicopter service. The Rescue Warriors are directly helping us shape a stronger service that will save more lives, more often, for many years ahead. They are truly inspirational blokes and we can’t thank them enough,” Willocks said.
The 14 Rescue Warriors are: Team Muscle: Bruce Kell; David Keeley; Willy Leferink; Mark Holmes; Paul Brake Team Live: Warren Harris; Bryan Beeston; David Pedersen; Richard Andrews; Graham Thomas; Mark Cressey; Duncan Barr; Brian Ellis; Rigby Wason.
