Gisborne banking team members went for a double-whammy with their first donation from the newly-founded Westpac Central North Island East Bay Regional Board.

Set up to support East Coast communities in the wake of Cyclone Gabrielle, the board has funded two boat safety packs that will be on the block at this month’s Eastland Helicopter Rescue Trust Bayleys Charity Auction.

“We liked the idea of making this gear available to the community while at the same time supporting the critical work of the Trust Tairāwhiti Eastland Rescue Helicopter,” says Westpac Gisborne banking specialist Tania Ashley, who is on the board with colleague Dylan Piwari.

“We also got a discount from suppliers Harbourview Marine, so it’s a great result all round.”

Each of the two packs is made up of an Ocean Signal RescueME personal locator beacon; a Powerboat flare pack; and a large, buoyant Hutchwilco grab bag so boaties can keep their safety gear together.

“Our community has had so much to deal with over the last 18 months so the board wants to do what it can to help,” Tania says.

“And of course we’re passionate about supporting the Eastland Rescue Helicopter in the incredible work it does each and every day of the year.”

CAPTION: IN SAFE HANDS: Westpac Gisborne regional board members Tania Ashley (centre) and Dylan Piwari (right) hand base manager/critical care flight paramedic Richard Curtis the safety gear that will be auctioned to raise funds for the Eastland Helicopter Rescue Trust.