Fundraisers have fun

The Chill Factor Frankton team, from left, Bill Netherell, Paul Halsted, Bobby Lamont and Laura...
The Chill Factor Frankton team, from left, Bill Netherell, Paul Halsted, Bobby Lamont and Laura Cross, enjoy the view on their way to completing 12 sponsored runs.
Frankton's all-skier team making its way down Coronet Peak, led by Bobby Lamont, then Paul...
Frankton's all-skier team making its way down Coronet Peak, led by Bobby Lamont, then Paul Halsted, Laura Cross, and obscured, Bill Netherell.
The Wanaka team (above, from left), Ben Fewtrell, at bottom, Mark Strang, Adam Clifford and Glen...
The Wanaka team (above, from left), Ben Fewtrell, at bottom, Mark Strang, Adam Clifford and Glen Thurston, takes a tumble near the bottom of the M1 trail.

Four teams of four firefighters turned out for the inaugural Firefighter Chill Factor Challenge at Coronet Peak on Friday, which saw ski and snowboard-clad quartets competing to finish as many sponsored runs as possible in two hours.

A sight to behold, the firefighting kit-clad teams weaved down the mountain in somewhat changeable formations, occasionally losing a member or collapsing in laughing heaps, tangled in hose.

Queenstown's all-skier team completed 12 runs between 8am and 10am to win.

Next was a combined Auckland Airport and Queenstown snowboarding squad, followed by more firefighters from Auckland and a team from Wanaka.

They raised an estimated $2200 for Queenstown's Bruce Grant Youth Trust.

Organiser Auckland firefighter Tony Scott said the trial event went "fantastically", with a few lessons learnt for next year. He said the combined ski and snowboard teams had struggled a little to co-ordinate their movements, but "everyone had a great time".

He organised the event after seeing a similar one in the United States.

"I thought it was a fantastic idea, and it's also our way to say 'thanks' to the Southern brigades who support our fundraising Sky Tower event every year. We wanted to find a way to come down and support the boys here."

Auckland Airport firefighter Tony Beattie said: "It's pretty tough ... we're getting better as we go."

The challenge was initially to be held during the Winter Festival, but was cancelled due to a lack of snow.

Mr Scott hoped about 10 teams would take part in next year's event.

Bystander Tracie Campbell, of Queenstown, was impressed by their fundraising efforts.

"We knew there wasn't a fire up here, but it's very cool and I'm sure they are enjoying it, too."

 

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