Uplift Wairarapa opens wallets to save lives

On 1 November, the Waihinga Centre was abuzz with red balloons and crews of volunteers sporting red hair and wearing the red lookalike Life Flight overalls. Uplift Wairarapa’s Fundraising event was due to Take Flight.

“We first intended to have this fundraising event in 2021,” Susan Stephen announced, “but Covid severely limited the number of people who could participate so we postponed it until this year. One of our major supporters for the event was the Life Flight Events Co-Ordinator, Sherry Herrick who was so energetic but sadly died in April 2022.”

“With JC Baxter as a co-coordinator we decided that it was time to carry on.

“Our planning began back in February. In September we started with a raffle offering accommodation at 10 different locations. All prizes were generously donated by local homestay operators or owners from Ngawi to Castlepoint,” she told the audience.

“So, before we had even opened the doors to the Waihinga Centre we had raised $27,500 from ticket and raffle sales.”

The red ballons at the entrance to the Supper Room were Mystery balloons with each balloon having a number corresponding to a particular prize ranging from $50, $100 or $150.

Mark Sainsbury, Master of Ceremonies, set the proceedings off with a warm welcome.

Mackenzie Paton described how without the Life Flight helicopter she would not be here today. Airlifted to Wellington after being cut from her vehicle, she was told if the transfer had been 10 minutes later, she would not have survived.

Mark asked whether there were other people in the hall who had been rescued by Life Flight. Several hands were raised.

Carl Petersen then took to the stage and a very spirited live auction took place. Bidding was spurred on with a lot of ribbing from Carl. Some heated competition between opposing bidders lead to some very healthy loosening of people’s wallets.

The evening concluded with Richard Stone, Chair of the Life Flight Trust, commending the community for its support. “Every dollar raised stays in the Wairarapa,” he said.

While Life Flight is 50% subsidised, local communities are expected to contribute $4,000 per flight.

When medical support is needed, time is of essence. The Westpac helicopter can reach Martinborough in a lightning-fast 10 minutes, 20 minutes to Carterton and 30 minutes to Masterton.

The total raised was an amazing $82,800 _ equating to 21 flights.

“The generosity of the Wairarapa-wide community in supporting this event is overwhelming,” said Susan. 

“A fabulous team of local volunteers helped serve locally-donated wine and delicious canapes prepared by Nick and Susan from Trestle and Mortar,” she said. “So many people and businesses provided prizes and voluntarily gave of their time. JC and I would like to express our very grateful thanks to everyone.”