Paihia's Volunteer Fire Brigade is searching for sponsors as it gears up for its annual casino night, which this year is raising money for an emergency response van.
In previous years the brigade's massive fundraising efforts have benefited the Leukaemia and Blood Foundation, making a total of $80,000 and beating every
other brigade in the county in the charity's fundraising challenge five years in a row.
This year, however, the brigade is focusing on needs closer to home.
"We decided it was time our community benefited from this outstanding generosity, not only of locals on the night, but from businesses willing to sponsor," brigade member Jo Warren said.
With work about to begin on a new fire station on Selwyn Rd, the brigade had identified a need for an "operational support vehicle". With medical call-outs, natural disaster and other specialised responses on the rise, the benefits to the community would be huge, Mrs Warren said.
The vehicle would be fitted with basic medical supplies, including a defibrillator and oxygen, and safety equipment, enabling faster responses to emergency call-outs.
The key fundraising event would be a charity casino evening, organised in conjunction with the Bay of Islands Rotary Club and held at the Copthorne's Waitaha conference hall in Waitangi on Saturday, June 18.
Mrs Warren said the Rotary club was famous for putting on an evening packed with fun, from horse racing to roulette wheels, black jack and a charity auction.
The brigade was looking for sponsorship in the form of products and vouchers for activities or services, anything that could be auctioned on the night.
"No matter how big or small, it will all go towards our fundraising and help us respond to the community's changing needs."
For more information, call Jo Warren on (09) 402 5458 or email mustfindjo@hotmail.com
