Last Friday, our team at EVES had the privilege of participating in a truly extraordinary community event: the Aerocool Rescue Helicopter Gala & Charity Auction at the Classic Flyers Aviation Museum in Mount Maunganui. It was a night that reaffirmed just how powerful a community coming together can be - for fundraising, for hope, and most importantly, for saving lives.

The gala was nothing short of spectacular. We watched in awe as off‑duty Aerocool crew mingled among attendees, while the on‑duty team stood ready at the hangar - ever prepared to spring into action.

We were proud to play our part, as our award‑winning auctioneer Jordan Sievwright led the live auction with verve and precision. Meanwhile, our sponsorship of the GalaBid platform brought the drama and delight of silent bidding to life. Together, we helped secure some fantastic auction results.

The final tally? An inspiring $60,800 raised - all to support the operational costs of the Aerocool Rescue Helicopter.

“We simply could not do what we do without the support of the community… appreciated by the thousands of people whose lives have been saved, or whose recovery has been enhanced, by the Aerocool Rescue Helicopter.” - Philips Search & Rescue Trust General Manager Vanessa Richmond. 

At EVES, we believe in engaging wholeheartedly with the communities we serve. Knowing that our involvement contributed to keeping the rescue helicopter mission‑ready is a source of immense pride for our people – a feeling of being part of something profoundly meaningful.

The funds raised will ensure the Aerocool Rescue Helicopter continues its life‑saving missions across the coastal Bay of Plenty - because, as the Gala reminded us, you truly never know when you’ll need help.

If you’d like to continue supporting this vital service, you can donate directly via give.rescue.org.nz.