The LCA2010 conference is over, but the generosity of its delegates will leave a lasting impression on the Life Flight Trust.

During the conference closing dinner at the Wellington Town Hall, attendees bid to win a unique opportunity to join an action-packed Westpac Rescue Helicopter winch training mission. All bids were donations to Life Flight.

Delegates could donate online with their laptops and results were displayed in real-time on an open source application created by Andrew Caudwell of Catalyst IT.

At the end of the evening a $12,750 donation from Linux Australia brought the total funds raised to more than $33,000.

Life Flight CEO David Irving said, "Free open source software is founded on generosity and these supporters have certainly taken that value to heart.

"The funds raised will enable 13 people to receive emergency flights, which is a great outcome for the community."

LCA conferences bring together the global community of Linux enthusiasts who contribute to the operating system and the vast array of free and open source software that is transforming information technology around the world.

Life Flight Trust provides a national air ambulance service and the Wellington Westpac Rescue Helicopter. Life Flight Trust is a registered charity that relies on community donations to keep flying. For further information or to help save lives visit www.lifeflight.org.nz.