Bank keeps service flying

WHEN South Lismore twins Emily and Mary Betteridge held their first raffle for the Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter in Lismore in 1982, they raised $56.

Rescue helicopter volunteers (from left) Emily and Mary Betteridge, with the face of this year’s appeal Briar-Rose Harder and Wespac Lismore branch manager Steve Bowden. . Picture: Mireille Merlet-Shaw

WHEN South Lismore twins Emily and Mary Betteridge held their first raffle for the Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter in Lismore in 1982, they raised $56.

“That was for raffling a crochet rug,” Mary said.

“Now, we've raised over $100,000 and we are still going.”

Twenty-nine years later and at 79 years of age, the sisters have no plans to slow down their volunteer work for the rescue helicopter.

They were on hand at the Lismore Base Open Day on Saturday when Westpac Bank celebrated 20 years of naming rights partnership by handing over an additional $50,000 donation to the service.

Westpac took up the sponsorship back in 1991 and Lismore branch manager Steve Bowden said that in marking the 20-year milestone, Westpac was honouring the vital role the service plays in the community.

“It's one of those services that helps absolutely everyone,” he said.

“In the community it doesn't discriminate and it's like having anextra insurance policy knowing it saves lives.”

The Betteridge twins couldn't agree more.

“We know we are helpingpeople,” Mary said.

“We know so many people who have been helped by the rescue heli- copter and who have told us they wouldn't be here today if it wasn't for them.

“If I had the money I would give it to the service so they could buy another helicopter.

“You never know when you may need them.”

The rescue helicopter's general manager Kris Beavis said the service was grateful for the ongoing support of Westpac and its staff.

“There is symmetry in this donation,” he said.

“Westpac is giving to our local community, which in turn helps the helicopter respond when the community is in need.”

The face of this year's annual appeal, seven-year-old Briar-Rose Harder, received the cheque from Mr Bowden on behalf of the service.

Originally published as Bank keeps service flying