St John New Zealand’s novel fundraising campaign “St John is a Charity” has been shortlisted to one of just three finalists in the Innovative Fundraising Category at the prestigious Resource Alliance international fundraising awards in the Netherlands.
Fresh from winning the “Annual Campaign” Award at the 2013 Fundraising Institute of New Zealand (FINZ) Awards for Excellence, came the news that the 2012 St John campaign has been chosen as an international finalist.
The campaign features television ads with experienced frontline staff explaining St John’s essential role in local communities and the care and dignity with which they treat patients against a backdrop of growing demand and costs. “People forget we are a charity.”
Raising money for charities has become more challenging in recent years with so many not-for-profits competing for the same slice of pie.
St John Commercial Director Peter Loveridge says the innovation was in the simplicity of the campaign. He is delighted to have the hard work and professionalism of St John staff throughout the country recognised on a global platform.
“It was a brave step for us to remind New Zealanders that St John is in fact a charity and we are delighted with the response. It reflects the amazing generosity and support of our donors and public.”
FINZ Chief Executive, James Austin says the campaign was a very effective mechanism for getting a clear message across.
“It was a bold initiative that from the outset had to ensure a buy-in from all involved in the organisation. The whole process was clear, with simply-worded objectives and a detailed plan to achieve them.”
The award winning campaign is credited with raising $5.2 million resulting in over $8.70 return for each dollar spent.
St John is the only New Zealand charity to be represented at the 2013 Resource Alliance Global Awards which recognise outstanding achievement in fundraising combined with best practise.
The awards ceremony takes place in Leeuwenhorst during the International Fundraising Congress on October 16 with up to 900 senior and middle managers from various international not-for-profits attending.
-ENDS-
BACKGROUND:
St John is a major international charity accredited to the United Nations and is the largest primary healthcare provider in New Zealand.
St John is made up of a mix of full-time paid employees and volunteer staff.
Our ambulance officers treat and transport more than 400 thousand patients a year while our community and commercial programmes range from first aid training, health shuttle services, a Caring Caller telephone service, monitored medical alarms and a St John Youth Programme.
FOR FURHTER INFORMATION AND IMAGES CONTACT:
Victoria Hawkins
St John Media Relations Manager
T 09 526 0528 I X 7877 I F 09 526 0553 | M 027 483 4199
E Victoria.Hawkins@stjohn.org.nz