THE WESTPAC Rescue Helicopter has saved countless lives in the New England region.
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The service is free to patients who need it, and now, all volunteers ask is that the community get their best kit on and support their biggest fundraiser of the year.
The Flying High Charity Ball aims to raise more than $10,000 to keep the chopper in the air.
Sam Skinner, a dedicated volunteer, said the chopper flies over her house on its way into Armidale.
“I like helping people,” she said.
“I like to be able to hear it and think, even though it’s bad that they’re coming because it means someone is sick, it’s nice to know I’ve helped keep it in the air.
“One day, I have friends who have used it, but one day me or someone in my family might have to use it.”
Ms Skinner said the ball is a great opportunity to have some fun and support a good cause.
“Every cent of profit goes to the North and North West Rescue Helicopter, which is based out of Tamworth,” she said.
An auction will be held at the event, with an accommodation package at a bed and breakfast in Port Macquarie, jewellery from Turners and artworks from a Uralla artist all on offer.
“Between all the support groups, because the chopper is 100 per cent charity-based, there’s no actual government funding or anything like that – every bit helps,” Ms Skinner said.
Every flight is different, but it costs around $2000 an hour to keep the chopper in the air.
A medical team, equipment, the travel itself are all supplied to provide emergency assistance to patients in need.
The flights come at no cost to the patient, and are supported by community volunteering and fundraising efforts.
Volunteer Meg Georkas said knowing the helicopter is an available resource in a regional town gives her great peace of mind.
“We need that immediate access to the bigger hospitals, to know that you’ve got that security in a regional city is really important – it’s everything,” she said.