The lifesaving sound of a rescue helicopter’s chopper blades will be used to encourage New Zealanders to give generously this Chopper Appeal Month.

Last year, 9289 potentially lifesaving missions were flown by the national network of rescue helicopters - including 1045 missions in the Auckland and Coromandel regions – and the need for fundraising support is growing every year.

Throughout the month of May, the sounds of the helicopter blades, signalling help at hand for those in distress, will overlay the usual audio during TV advertisements of trusted brands who support the cause, including Toyota, Lotto NZ, Spark, Chorus, Z Energy and Turners.

Last year, the Westpac Chopper Appeal raised a record $1.44 million for the rescue helicopter trusts around the country.

Westpac NZ chief executive Catherine McGrath said people who were saved by a chopper often tell their rescuers of their relief when they hear the helicopter.

Sophie Jack’s story

One of those people is Sophie Jack, from Cooks Beach.

On June 15, 2024, 7-year-old Sophie was all geared up to play a soccer game when, out of the blue, she had an unwelcome asthma attack.

Her dad, being the fire chief at Cooks Beach Volunteer Fire Brigade, immediately phoned the ambulance which then coordinated with the Auckland Westpac Rescue Helicopter to fly Sophie from Cooks Beach to Thames Hospital.

With the collaborative effort of all emergency services, at one point, two fire, two ambulance and two Auckland Westpac Rescue medics were all in her bedroom making sure she received the best care possible.

The ambulance crew transported Sophie to the waiting Auckland Westpac Rescue Helicopter on a nearby landing field and as the chopper was leaving, all the firefighters waved to her, which was a lovely touch.

She said it was “pretty cool” being in the helicopter as she could look down and see her hometown of Cooks Beach and beyond to Whitianga, and even saw a rainbow!

Whilst at Thames Hospital, Sophie was not improving and so the decision was made to transport her by road to Waikato Hospital for further treatment. Three days later, she showed great improvement and was able to go home.

Sophie is an active girl. Her favourite pastimes are horse riding, soccer and singing, and she’s not letting her asthma slow her down anytime soon.

She is now attending a breathing facility in Auckland called Breathing Works to give her the exercises she needs to cope with another breathing emergency should she need it, before the first responders arrive.

Her advice to others is to stay calm and don’t freak out, the crew have got you. Dr Nick Longley was the doctor on board that day, along with critical care paramedic Russell Clarke and pilot Matt Shrimpton.

To say thank you to the crew who helped her on the day, she organised a bake sale on January 3 (purposefully) as there would be lots of holidaymakers still around.

She raised more than $300 for the service.

Ad campaign

“There’s no greater sound when you need it, and our TV ad ‘takeover’ will bring that sound into New Zealanders’ living rooms and hopefully encourage them to donate and support their local rescue helicopter service,” McGrath said.

“Rescue Chopper crews do a wonderful job all day, every day, all around the country to help keep communities safe. It’s a longstanding partnership that means a lot to us, and every year our teams dig deep to raise funds.”

McGrath and other senior leaders will join Westpac teams in shaking a bucket on street corners around the country on the annual Chopper Street Appeal Day on Thursday, May 8.

Other activities throughout the month include quiz nights, auctions, a gala ball, and the famous 230km Chopper Bike Ride from Queenstown to Invercargill.

Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust chair Jane Sheetz said the public’s generosity was essential to keeping its choppers and specialised crews operating.

“We take great pride in providing New Zealanders with first class medical care in some of their greatest times of need, and we rely on the generosity of New Zealanders to keep our choppers in the air.

“The money raised goes towards things like new equipment, maintenance and staff training, which cost more every year, making public support that much more valuable.”

Westpac funds the marketing and administration costs of the Chopper Appeal – in addition to its sponsorship arrangements – and distributes all funds raised back to donors’ local rescue helicopter trust.

People wishing to make a donation or find out more can visit www.chopperappeal.co.nz.