It’s not often that firefighters encourage someone to deliberately light a fuse and cause explosions, but that’s exactly what Frankton Volunteer Fire Brigade did to raise funds for the 2016 Fire Fighter Sky Tower Stair Challenge.
Bill Falcone and the Frankton brigade auctioned off the right to “press the big red button” and ignite the annual Queenstown New Year’s fireworks.
The unforgettable experience attracted bidders from around the country and raised an outstanding $2050 for Leukaemia and Blood Cancer New Zealand.
The auction was won by Leon Austin of Christchurch whose daughter Grace turned one on New Years Eve. Leon, his wife and Grace pushed the button together to celebrate the milestone birthday.
The prize included:
Mayor Vanessa van Uden said Queenstown Lakes District Council had no hesitation in aligning its New Year’s Eve celebrations with such a worthy cause. “Volunteer firefighters give back to our community every day, and we’re very happy to be able to support them in this way with their unique fundraiser.”
Ian Collier, Air New Zealand’s Regional Affairs Manager, said the airline was similarly pleased to lend its support to the Frankton volunteer firefighters. “We are very happy to be able to help with this very worthy cause.”