In a break from tradition, the Eastland Helicopter Rescue Trust will raffle off a near-new Ford Ranger ute, rather than auctioning it, so more people can be in to win.

“We’ve had incredible support from Gisborne Motors Ford which every year loans the Trust Tairāwhiti Eastland Rescue Helicopter team a spanking new Ford Ranger ute to use for 12 months, then allows us to auction it with proceeds above the reserve going to the trust,” says EHRT chair Patrick Willock.

“In recent years, however, times have been tough and we’ve had difficulty reaching much above the reserve, so we decided a raffle might be a more useful option.

“Not only does it offer the prospect of a better return, setting ticket prices at $50 makes it accessible to more members of the community who are keen to support our incredible rescue helicopter service.”

This year Gisborne Motors has supplied a 2024 Ford Ranger XLT 4WD 2.0 Bi-Turbo 10-Speed Auto Double Cab ute with a window price of $67,490 (plus over $1000 in on-road costs).

“That’s the actual value but as part of its generous sponsorship Gisborne Motors was able to access a special Charitable Trust Discount,” says Mr Willock.

“So if we can sell all 2000 of the limited number of tickets available, that could raise over $40,000 to help EHRT meet its costs. That would be a huge contribution from our community to support a service that is behind them 24/7, 365 days a year.”

Supply of the Ford Ranger is just part of Gisborne Motors’ backing of the Eastland Helicopter Rescue Trust. It also provides servicing support, and has been known to sharpen its pencil when EHRT manages to secure funds for new vehicles.

Gisborne Motors Ford new vehicle manager Rod Husband says the company is “extremely proud” to support the Eastland Helicopter Rescue Trust.

“We chose EHRT as our major sponsorship because we look at it as being of benefit to the whole community,” he says.

“After all, almost everyone would know someone who has been assisted by their outstanding services.”

Meanwhile, the great news for ticket buyers is that the ute is practically fresh off the lot.

“Because there’s a waiting list for the XLT Gisborne Motors loaned us different Ford Ranger until we could take delivery of the new ute,” says critical care flight paramedic/base manager Richard Curtis, who is most often behind the wheel.

“When it did arrive at the end of May it only had 12 kilometres on the clock, so it’s just about brand new!”

The raffle is launched on June 25 and will close (and be drawn) at EHRT’s Annual Charity Auction gala on Friday, September 13.

“We have an incredibly supportive community here in Tairāwhiti and in the 36 years since EHRT was first established they’ve been behind us all the way,” Mr Willock says.

“We hope they’re as excited as we are about this new opportunity to support critical rescue helicopter work both in our region and beyond.”

– To be in to win the 2024 Ford Ranger XLT, go to our “events” page or just click here. Help us keep your Trust Tairāwhiti Eastland Rescue Helicopter team in the skies, saving lives.

CAPTION: HERE TODAY, GONE TOMORROW: Just a few weeks after taking delivery of the flash new 2024 Ford Ranger XLT, critical care flight paramedic/base manager Richard Curtis is preparing to give it up to the new owner who wins it in the Eastland Helicopter Rescue Trust raffle.