The Tauranga Volunteer Coastguard is the second largest unit in the country, but it is also a non-profit organisation that relies heavily on membership and fundraising initiatives.

Manned almost entirely by volunteers, the Coastguard is holding its major fundraising initiative this year with a special travel raffle from September 9 until October 24.

Its operations manager, Simon Barker, says during the last 12 months, Tauranga Volunteer Coastguard's radio operators and boat crews completed close to 50,000 volunteer hours and have handled about 140 incidents – some of which involved the police, the Port of Tauranga, surf life saving clubs and neighbouring Coastguard units.

Simon says the radio operators are available for calls 24 hours a day, seven days a week and have handled about 25,000 radio calls.

Travel raffle tickets are limited to 4000, so get in quick for some great travel prizes.

Winner of first prize gets to chose between an eight day Pacific Island cruise for two or a trip for two to Samoa, including accommodation at Aggie Greys.

Second prize is a trip for two to Sydney, including flights and accommodation and third prize is a night for two at Sky City Hotel, which includes breakfast and a gift basket.

Coastguard would like to thank Brigett Turner of NZ Travel Brokers and Sky City Hotel for their support.
Tickets are $5 per ticket or three for $10.

Tickets are available at various locations around Tauranga or can be purchased by phoning the Coastguard 07 578 5579 or visiting www.taurangacoastguard.co.nz

Tauranga Volunteer Coastguard will also have a stand at the His & Hers Home & Leisure Expo from September 16-18 at the new TECT Arena at Baypark.

For any enquiries or sponsorship opportunities please phone Simon Barker 07 578 5579.