Enhancing life-saving services within the community is behind the decision to name the Otago Southland Rescue Helicopter Trust and Dunstan Hospital as the beneficiaries of this year's Rotary Club of Wānaka Cropping Competition.

The annual competition has raised more than $50,000 each year it has been held, and the organisers hope the rural community will once again step up and support these critical organisations.

“A portion of the proceeds will go towards the training and development of paramedics within the Otago Southland Rescue Helicopter Trust,” Rotary Club of Wānaka president Marie Fitchett said.

“We also hope to make a significant donation to Dunstan Hospital to update heart monitoring equipment including telemetry for remote cardiac monitoring.”

Along with supporting two very worthwhile causes, the Upper Clutha farming community will compete for bragging rights as the best crop growers in the district.

Winter crops such as kale, swede, and fodder beet will be judged in early May with winners announced at a dinner and auction on Friday May 24 at the Lake Hāwea Community Centre.

“In the past local businesses have generously sponsored the auction by donating products that the farming community needs,” competition organiser George Scott said.

“Those goods and services have been highly sought after and we are delighted that the money raised will be returned to services that support the farming community.”

George is in the process of confirming a guest speaker for the prize-giving evening and said he will make an announcement shortly.

“An email will be sent to farmers in February with information on the competition and how to enter,” he said.

The Rotary Club of Wānaka is the organiser of the 2024 Rotary Club of Wānaka Winter Cropping Competition which is endorsed by the Upper Clutha A&P Society.

All proceeds raised will be donated to the Otago Southland Rescue Helicopter and Dunstan Hospital.

PHOTO: Supplied