Rescue Helicopters

The Rescue Helicopter Trust operates across skies nationwide and provides essential lifesaving care to New Zealanders in their critical time of need. J. A. Russell Ltd have maintained a steadfast devotion to supporting critical emergency services for over 30 years. Since our first donation in 1994, our support has continued to expand across New Zealand. We now donate to fourteen Rescue Helicopter trusts across the nation including:

The Starship Foundation

The Starship Foundation is the dedicated charity behind Starship National Children’s Hospital. Children come from all over New Zealand to Starship, whether it’s for minor injuries and illnesses or for the more severe, life-threatening cases.

The Foundation’s mission is to help young patients and their families by funding lifesaving equipment, critical care services, medical research, and family support initiatives. Through donations and sponsorships, The Starship Foundation enables advancements in paediatric care, helping kids across New Zealand receive world-class medical treatment.

The Foundation's work goes far beyond the hospital walls, funding vital outreach programmes and preventative health initiatives that impact thousands of young lives each year.
 

KidsCan

1 in 6 children in New Zealand live in poverty and thousands of Kiwi kids go hungry or miss school because their families can’t afford the essentials. Through the provision of practical items like food, uniforms, shoes, stationery and other basic health items, Kidscan are removing these barriers to success and ensuring every kid gets a fair chance to learn and thrive.

When children are warm and dry at school and guaranteed a meal every day, they are set up towards learning and achieving their goals. Currently Kidscan support 1,100 schools and early childhood centers nationwide, providing nearly 6.4 million items of food, clothing and health products across the country. Thanks to Kidscan, kiwi kids affected by poverty get a fair start towards a better future.

Auckland City Mission

The Auckland City Mission envisions an Auckland community where no one goes without safe housing, nourishing food, or access to healthcare. The mission provides immediate relief for those in need and a pathway to long-term wellbeing through connection, access to food, housing and healthcare services. In 2024 the mission delivered 39,407 food parcels to families and individuals, facilitated 19,826 health consultations and supported 484 people on their road to recovery with their detox program.

J. A. Russell Ltd provided a helping hand in the development of Home Ground, a facility that has become the beating heart of the Auckland City Mission program. We are pleased to support the ongoing work of the mission and their commitment to supporting Aucklanders. 

Graeme Dingle Foundation – Project K

The Graeme Dingle Foundation works with tens of thousands of young people aged 5 - 24 across New Zealand every year. By teaching invaluable life skills, encouraging good health and building positive attitudes, the Graeme Dingle Foundation inspires young New Zealanders to believe in their own potential. They do this through ‘Project K’, a 14-month development programme for year 10 students that empowers kiwi youth to achieve their goals and transform their lives.

“Project K has been amazing; it has taught me a lot about myself and really shaped me into who I am.” – Project K student.

The Braintree Wellness Centre

Multiple Sclerosis & Parkinsons Canterbury and Dementia Canterbury have collaborated to create the Braintree Wellness Centre, a custom-built facility designed to support the needs of those living with neurological conditions. Situated in Christchurch, this facility is the first of its kind. Since the center opened in July of 2022 Brain Tree have been delivering invaluable, life affirming care to those living with Parkinsons, Dementia, Multiple Sclerosis and the lasting effects of a stroke. The state-of-the-art facility not only seeks to alleviate the symptoms of those living with these conditions through a total wellness approach but also supports them and their families towards living a full life with purpose and meaning.

New Zealand Rugby Foundation

Founded in 1986 the NZ Rugby Foundation stands alongside New Zealand’s seriously injured rugby players, providing comprehensive emotional and financial support to injured players for life. The foundations care and commitment enable thriving futures for rugby’s seriously injured players and their whanau. Their work focuses on three key pillars - Support, Champion (advocacy) and Collaboration, working to ensure the message of ‘safety first’ remains front of mind for all rugby players.

2025’s “Keep Giving back” Sponsorships (Nominated by Staff)