Community Rallies to Raise Nearly $7,000 for Rescue Helicopter

Participants in the Back to Base challenge successfully raised just under $7,000 to support the Canterbury West Coast Air Rescue Trust. Over the month of August, individuals and teams covered distances equivalent to real rescue helicopter missions, contributing to a vital cause.

Among the notable participants were Alice Brice and her children, Felicity (9) and Hugo (7), who collectively raised $1,575 by covering a distance of 349 km. Brice noted the significance of their efforts, stating, “Ironically, the same day my friend’s partner flew from Timaru to Christchurch after a medical event. We were blown away by the support. It is such an easy charity to fundraise for. People understand the importance of this service and know — just like my friend — you never know when you will need it.”

Brice emphasized the rewarding nature of the challenge, describing it as both an opportunity for personal achievement and an empowering experience for her children. “They were checking off their kilometres, making sure they were going to make the distance. The kids were right into it, getting excited when people supported them and making sure they covered the distance,” she said.

Community Support Fuels Lifesaving Efforts

Christine Prince, CEO of the Canterbury West Coast Air Rescue Trust, expressed gratitude for the robust community involvement. “To have 126 incredible individuals step forward and be part of this effort was nothing short of humbling. We are overwhelmed with the outpouring of support we have received through Back to Base. The generosity we have enjoyed from our communities will play a vital role in supporting and transforming our life-saving service.”

As the Back to Base challenge concluded, the Trust welcomed the arrival of its first new H145 rescue helicopter in Christchurch, marking a significant step in modernizing their fleet. “The arrival of this H145 helicopter is the beginning of an exciting journey to modernise our rescue helicopter service. Our Back to Base challengers and their supporters have been integral in helping us get the first of our new helicopters back to base,” Prince added.

The initiative is part of the Trust’s ambitious MISSION 2026, the largest transformation in its 40-year history. This comprehensive plan includes upgrading the fleet and investing in new equipment, technology, and advanced crew training. Four H145 rescue helicopters have been purchased with community support, funding from Westpac, Health NZ, and operational support from GCH Aviation. The first helicopter arrived in late August, with the remaining three scheduled for delivery over the next five months.

Prince highlighted the community’s response to MISSION 2026, noting that over $1 million has been raised so far. “We now have the enormous job to get the new H145 helicopters commissioned and fully operational. We need the community’s support now more than ever to realise our vision and ensure we have a world-class rescue helicopter service that can save more lives, more often.”

From January to July 2025, the Canterbury Westpac Rescue Helicopters were tasked with 397 missions, including 54 missions to South Canterbury. The funds raised through the Back to Base challenge will significantly contribute to achieving the goals outlined in MISSION 2026, enhancing the region’s capacity to respond to emergencies and save lives.