Thanks to a generous donation from The Christchurch Foundation following the March 15 attacks, two new emergency ambulances worth over $200,000 each are now in service.
The two new Generation 4 ambulances were formally presented to St John and blessed at a special dedication ceremony today, 16 December, at the St John Christchurch ambulance hub in Winchcombe Street. Members of Christchurch’s Muslim community, Chao Shan General Association, the Christchurch Foundation, Christchurch Mayor Lianne Dalziel, local MP Poto Williams and St John members were present for the handover.
In response to the March 15 attacks, members of the Chao Shan General Association and Teochew International Federation gave more than $2 million dollars to the Christchurch Foundation’s Our People Our City fund, requesting the funds go towards ambulances for St John Christchurch.
The two assocations have been long-time supporters of St John and wanted to recognise the bravery of the St John ambulance officers who responded to the events of March 15.
St John South Island Regional Manager Craig Stockdale says the two new ambulances will enable ambulance officers to continue doing the life-saving work they do every day.
“These new vehicles will help St John to continue doing the great work it does in the community. I am incredibly proud of our ambulance officers who responded on March 15. The skill and courage they displayed that day in such difficult circumstances was exceptional.
“We are humbled and thankful for this very special gift from the Asian community,” Mr Stockdale says.
The Christchurch Foundation’s CEO Amy Carter says they wanted to thank the Chao Shan General Assembly and Teochew for their generous donation following the events of March 15.
“Not only does the money help Christchurch St John in the vital work they do, it also acknowledges the incredible work of St John staff in a horrendous situation.”
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
Gerard Campbell
St John Communications Advisor
M 027 567 2083
E gerard.campbell@stjohn.org.nz