Philips Search and Rescue Trust’s (PSRT) plea for additional funding has been answered by long term sponsor Greenlea
Premier Meats Ltd. After learning helicopter crew were in serious need of funding for COVID-19 specific protective
equipment, Tony Egan on behalf of Greenlea Premier Meats raised his hand to help.
Philips Search & Rescue Trust (PSRT) is the charity that fundraises and markets for the Waikato Westpac Rescue Helicopter, TECT Rescue
Helicopter, Greenlea Rescue Helicopter and Palmerston North Rescue Helicopter. Continuing to save lives relies heavily
on community funding and skilled personnel to man their fleet of five BK117.
Philips Search and Rescue Trust’s measures to protect patients and helicopter crew has escalated and continues to evolve
as knowledge surrounding the virus develops worldwide. The recent installation of a flight barrier curtain separating
the front and rear helicopter cabin is one such safety measure. The compact environment of a rescue helicopter brings
unique challenges.In a confined space, the need to create physical distance, separate crew members andlimit contact with
critically ill or injured patientsiscomplicated.
With each additional safety initiative carrying an unbudgeted cost, and $15,000 desperately needed to install the
curtains protecting patients and crew on all five rescue helicopters, the call for community support was unavoidable.
Longtime rescue helicopter supporter, Greenlea Premier Meats, has been principal sponsor of the Greenlea Rescue
Helicopter for over 8 years. Managing Director, Tony Egan, regards the alignment with the Greenlea Rescue Helicopter a
combined effort to support the community as “one team”. Egan didn’t hesitate when he read the Trust’s rescue helicopters
required extra support to protect the team during the global combat of COVID-19.
“We didn’t want the crews at risk as they provide such a vital service.” Tony Egan explains,
“Greenlea understands and respects that this is a difficult financial time for many people. We saw an opportunity to
assist both the communities where the helicopters are based as well as protect the crews.”
With $2,000 already raised from members of the public last week, Greenlea Premier Meats generous offer to cover the
remaining costs of purchasing and installing the barrier curtains for all four Central North Island regions is humbling.
Beyond the $3,000 required for furnishing the Greenlea Rescue Helicopter alone, Greenlea exceeded their regional
commitment and donated $13,000 Trust wide, benefitting the Waikato Westpac Rescue Helicopter, the TECT Rescue Helicopter
and the Palmerston North Rescue Helicopter.
“We are overwhelmed with the generous donation from Greenlea, to not only support ‘their’ rescue helicopter, but see the
need in supporting all of the Central North Island rescue helicopters as well. It is amazing Greenlea have come to our
aid for this essential piece of equipment. We couldn’t be more grateful” says Vanessa Richmond, Group Manager for
Philips Search and Rescue Trust.
Relieved by the donation from Greenlea Premier Meats for the barrier curtains, PSRT continue to require vital protective
gear to fulfill their community duty safely under the cloud of COVID-19. With over 77 missions since lockdown, 24
accident related, putting preventable pressure on resources and crew at risk during lockdown; Waikato Westpac Rescue
Helicopter, TECT Rescue Helicopter, Greenlea Rescue Helicopter and the Palmerston North Rescue Helicopter still need
your support. If you are in a position to help our crew, you can donate online at www.rescue.org.nz . We all thank you.