Simpson Grierson - Air Rescue Summer Crew Challenge 2018

With equal measure terror and excitement we’re having a crack at the Summer Crew Challenge to help fundraise for the Air Rescue Trust and their amazing work.

Simpson Grierson Christchurch office has put forward a team keen to give it a go and raise funds for the rescue helicopter operations.

To explain why we are a bit nervous, here are a few details on the challenge:

• The challenge is based on 50% fundraising and 50% crew challenge.

• In the challenge (designed by the Air Rescue Crew themselves) we will compete head to head with other businesses to show superior fitness and speed, teamwork, survival skills, problem solving and patient care. We are busy training (or at least have good intentions to do so) for the physical aspects of the challenge.

• Importantly, we hope to smash our fundraising target of $5,000 to support the Westpac Rescue Helicopter.

Why are we doing this?

The work the Canterbury West Coast Air Rescue Trust is invaluable. They provide air rescue services to the largest single geographical area in New Zealand – watching over the lives of over 600,000 people.

In a life and death situation where every minute counts, air rescue may be a patient’s only chance for survival. Getting specialist care to the patient within one hour of the onset of illness or injury increases the chance of the patient making a full recovery by up to 80% - this is referred to as the ‘golden hour’.

The Air Rescue crews are on duty 24/7 and this year will respond to over 900 missions across our region (that’s an average of 3 missions each day)!

Air Rescue is only 50% funded by our government so the Canterbury West Coast Air Rescue Trust must raise $7 million from the community every year to continue to provide a professional air rescue and air ambulance service.

They rely on businesses and individuals to support this air rescue service and need us as much as we all need them!

You can help us by making a donation and sharing with your friends and workmates so we can win the challenge and together we will make a life-saving difference in our community!

Thank you for your support and encouragement!

Amanda, Cat, Beth and Rose