New Zealanders have dug deep to donate $1,264,190 to this year’s Westpac Chopper Appeal, beating last year’s effort of $1.22 million.

The total includes $75,417 raised for the Lakes District Air Rescue Trust.

This year was memorable for New Zealanders going the extra mile (and a few more) in their fundraising drives.

Highlights included Invercargill man Reece McDonald taking part in the annual 235km one-day charity bike ride through Southland in May, just two months after suffering a heart attack and being flown to hospital by the rescue chopper. 

Funds raised through the Westpac Chopper Appeal are distributed to the 15 rescue helicopter services across the country, with each individual donation going back to the region it was collected from.

Lakes District Air Rescue Trust manager Ed Halson said they were proud to be part of the Westpac Chopper Appeal and were grateful to everyone who generously donated either time or money throughout the month.

“With your support we are able to provide our community with this life-saving service 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.”

Donations are welcome throughout the year and can be made at www.chopperappeal.co.nz or any Westpac branch.