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Firefighters participating in a charitable venture

Volunteer firefighters from Manawatu are enduring a rigorous two-day, 30km hike across the Ruahine Ranges while carrying 26kg firefighting gear, all for a charitable cause.

Firefighters participating in a charitable endeavor
Firefighters participating in a charitable endeavor

Firefighters participating in a charitable venture

Six New Zealand Firefighters Embark on 30km Ruahine Ranges Crossing for Charity

A team of six volunteer firefighters from Rangiwahia, Kimbolton, and Apiti in New Zealand are gearing up for a challenging 30km crossing of the Ruahine Ranges. The fundraising initiative, motivated by the McKechnie Foundation, aims to raise NZD 6,000, with the ultimate goal of contributing NZD 10,000 to Leukaemia & Blood Cancer NZ.

The intrepid crew, consisting of Dan Coleman, Andrew Morton, Tim Field, Scott Wilson, Tony McIntyre, and Daniel Stack, will don their 26kg firefighting kits, including breathing apparatus, for the two-day journey. Each firefighter will also carry a bivvy bag, first aid kit, PLB, DOC radio, and a spare pair of long johns and a thermal for cold temperatures or emergencies.

The crossing will commence at Ashley Clinton in Hawke's Bay and conclude at Rangiwahia Hut carpark in Manawatu. The team will traverse the Ruahine Ranges from east to west, following a GPS-mapped route that has been meticulously planned with support from Fire and Emergency NZ (FENZ) and the Department of Conservation (DOC).

A safety person will accompany the crew during the crossing, carrying extra emergency equipment to ensure the team's well-being. The safety person's role will be crucial, as the track climbs to nearly 1700m above sea level and is mainly a DOC track.

The firefighters have already completed a trial run of the crossing earlier this month, which provided them with a good gauge of what to expect and allowed them to make necessary adjustments to their route and safety planning. The trial run was a valuable experience, giving the team the confidence they need to tackle the upcoming challenge.

Interestingly, the firefighters decided to create their own challenge due to the uncertainty of the Sky Tower Challenge going ahead. Regardless of the source of inspiration, their determination to raise funds for Leukaemia & Blood Cancer NZ remains unwavering.

Cellphones can be used along most of the route due to reception, allowing the team to stay in touch with their support network and update their progress. Each firefighter will also carry their own food for the journey, ensuring they have the necessary sustenance to complete the demanding trek.

The McKechnie Foundation supports various charitable causes, and this initiative is just one of many examples of their commitment to making a difference in the community. The firefighters' dedication to their cause is commendable, and their upcoming adventure promises to be an inspiring demonstration of teamwork, perseverance, and charitable spirit.

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