A team of airport-based firefighters took to the runway yesterday in wearable home-made aircraft to raise funds for Ronald McDonald House.
Firefighter Sarah King said she was "thrilled to bits" with the donations, which doubled the original $500 target.
"And the month is not over yet. We’d love to make $1500."
Witnessing medical planes come and go transporting sick children and their families had inspired the firefighters to contribute.
More than 1800 participants had signed up for the Ronald McDonald Step it Up House to House March challenge, where participants nominated their running or walking distance.
All the team members finished the 2.2km challenge with big smiles of their faces but some aircraft now faced a future of significant repairs, redesigns or scrapping.
Support and safety crews meticulously retrieved pieces of "aircraft" from the runway as the cardboard inventions gradually gave way to the heartless Southland wind.
Ms King was encouraged by how the team had "banded together" to support the event.
"It was good fun making them and it was great fun out there — all of us working as a team and encouraging each other."
Despite the weather challenges, the day had gone really well, Ms King said.
"We’ve got to deal with the Southland weather that wasn’t on our side. But we had a break in the weather midway through.
"Unfortunately, the helicopter got a bit of a battering on the way.
"But the guys trooped on and kept on going which is amazing."
Two Air New Zealand staff also joined the runway jaunt, while the families of the "flying crews" waited at base to celebrate their return.
