The cheque was presented by Henley Men's Shed chairman Murray Campbell to Life Flight Trust fundraising co-ordinator Niall MacKay, from Wellington, who stressed how essential community support was for the $10million-a-year Westpac Rescue helicopter and fixed-wing service.
He said the helicopter flew about 130 missions a year in Wairarapa, at a cost of around $2500 per mission. At present that aircraft was out of commission, getting a $250,000 transmission repair job. A replacement machine had been hired, but simply getting it from Otago to Wellington and back had cost $18,000.
Mr MacKay paid tribute to all supporters and in particular to the Red Angels, individuals who commit to regular donations of $10 or $20 a month, to the service.
Henley Men's Shed co-ordinator John Bush, who came up with the idea of the helicopter production line, said he was looking at ways the shed could continue supporting the Westpac Rescue service.