For more than a decade, Invercargill’s Reece McDonald, a keen cyclist and business community leader, was a dedicated fundraiser for the Westpac Chopper Appeal and joint organiser of the Chopper ride — he participated in last year’s event, before his unexpected death last October.
To honour his contributions, this year riders will wear race shirts with built-in black armbands, emblazoned with ‘Reece’, during the May 9 event.
Westpac NZ Otago and Southland regional manager Phil Taylor says McDonald knew first-hand how vital the rescue choppers are in our part of the country, requiring the life-saving support of a helicopter himself after a heart attack in 2019.
"While it won’t be the same without him, he’ll be in our thoughts all the way.
"It’s going to be an emotional day, but we’ll come together to celebrate Reece’s contribution, share some stories and keep up his legacy."
Included in the field this year will be first-timer former Black Stick Diana Te Awa — she’ll be joined by one of her former team-mates, Gemma McCaw, who’s returning this year along with her husband, former All Black captain Richie McCaw, 2012 Olympic gold medal-winning rower Nathan Cohen and broadcaster Paddy Gower.
This year riders are aiming to raise a record $150,000 — all proceeds will go to the Lakes District Air Rescue Trust (LDART) to support the Otago Southland Rescue Helicopter Service, which flew 2097 missions last year.
LDART chairman Jules Tapper says it’s "amazing" to see the growth of the event over the years, which has raised more than $1million since 2011, noting the momentum continues to grow.
To donate, visit shorturl.at/0isW9
