A few of those he has connected with via his keen interest in in fishing, sometimes in the sparkling waters off American Samoa.
This marks the 10th year his buddies north of New Zealand have donated accommodation (Sadies By The Sea) and chartered fishing (Pago Pago Marine Charters) to be up for grabs at the annual EHRT Bayleys Charity Auction.
And home-town agents World Travellers Gisborne (Elliott Travel) have pitched in to help cover airfares, this year to the tune of $1000.
Patrick reckons interest will be high in the Samoa Bucket List Fishing Trip when it goes on the block at Friday’s gala event.
“Apart from our friendship these donors have no other connection to Gisborne and yet they make this incredibly generous gift to us year after year,” he says.
“This bucket-list fishing trip for four – escorted by myself – has proven to be one of our most hotly-contested items up for grabs at the annual auction.
“Over the last nine years it has raised $133,000 for EHRT and, consequently, for the incredible Trust Tairāwhiti Eastland Rescue Helicopter team we are here to support.”
The last bidder to buy the trip was local contractor Ben Holden who said when he and three mates went in March they “had a bloody ball” catching Yellow Fin Tuna, Dog Tooth Tuna, Marlin and Mahi Mahi, some of which was prepared for them by chefs at local eateries.
And, he says, “I’d do it again in a heartbeat.”
“It really is a fantastic experience,” adds Patrick. “At the same time it’s an important fundraiser for the region’s lifesaving rescue helicopter and we couldn’t be more grateful for our donors’support.”
– The 17th annual Bayleys Eastland Helicopter Rescue Trust Charity Auction will be held at the Farmers Air Event Centre (Showgrounds Park) on Friday, September 13, 2024.
CAPTIONS: EATING THE EVIDENCE: Bucket List Fishing Trip host Patrick Willock and guests Andrew and Ben Holden at Sadies By The Sea, enjoying sashimi from the Yellow Fin Tuna caught that same day.