At Ebbett Prestige Tauranga, we believe in giving back to the community that supports us, especially when it involves a cause that saves lives.

We were proud to support a recent charity event that raised an incredible $26,700 for the Aerocool Rescue Helicopter, a service vital to the Bay of Plenty region. The event, hosted at Clarence Tauranga and led by our friends at Sisters & Co, brought together passionate individuals and businesses united by a desire to make a real difference.

This cause hits especially close to home for many in our community, including Bryce McFall, who credits the rescue helicopter for saving his life after a serious accident in the Mamaku Forest back in 2002. As a result of the crash, Bryce suffered a high-level spinal injury — but thanks to the swift response of the air ambulance team, he survived.

“I believe I wouldn’t have made it without the helicopter,” Bryce shared at the event. “It’s such a shame they aren’t fully funded. It’s up to great individuals and organisations to help bridge that gap.”

We were deeply moved by Bryce’s story and honoured to be part of an initiative that brings attention and funding to an essential emergency service. The Aerocool Rescue Helicopter operates 24/7, carrying out life-saving missions across the Bay of Plenty — from motor vehicle accidents and rural rescues to critical hospital transfers. In April alone, the service completed 36 missions, some in remote and otherwise inaccessible locations.

Founder of Sisters & Co, Rodelle Payne, summed up the spirit behind the event perfectly:

“We felt a deep responsibility to give back. We wanted to do something meaningful through an event that brings people together while raising vital awareness and funds for a cause that’s not only close to our hearts but essential to our community.”