A new emergency ambulance is serving the people of Tauranga and the Bay of Plenty thanks to the generosity of local couple Erle and Ursula Dunseath.
The new Generation 4 ambulance was blessed during a special ceremony held at the Tauranga ambulance station on 29 August, and was attended by Mr and Mrs Dunseath, members of their family, Hato Hone St John ambulance staff and fundraising team members.
The new vehicle is fitted with modern equipment, including a power-load electric stretcher and stair carry chair, which will help make it easier and safer to move patients in and out of the vehicle.
Explaining the reasons for donating the ambulance, the couple expressed their heartfelt thanks to Hato Hone St John and "all of the incredible staff who are there for the community in every situation, through rain, wind, and all conditions, supporting those in need".
The Dunseaths say they had originally planned to leave a gift for an ambulance in their wills but after discussing it with their lawyer they realised that by making the donation now, "we could see the difference it would make and watch it become a reality."
"St John ambulance has been there for Erle on many occasions, providing outstanding care and support when it was needed most. This donation is our way of giving back and expressing our gratitude for the remarkable work the teams do every day. It is the least we can do to thank them for their dedication, compassion, and service to our community,” says Mrs Dunseath.
Hato Hone St John has been serving New Zealand communities for over 140 years, and Western Bay of Plenty Area Operations Manager Mat Delaney thanked the Dunseaths for their generous gift that is benefiting the region.
"The team is incredibly grateful for this amazing display of support that Erle and Ursula have shown towards Hato Hone St John and their community. This new ambulance enables our crews to use modern life-saving equipment to continue help people in their time of need," says Mr Delaney.
Hato Hone St John Central Region Fundraising Manager Jeanette Horan says the new ambulance will make a positive difference to the people in the Bay of Plenty.
“We are so grateful that Erle and Ursula have chosen Hato Hone St John as their way of giving back to the community they have been a part of for so long,” says Ms Horan.
Workload in the Western Bay of Plenty has been rising year on year, with more than 25,000 emergency ambulance callouts in the wider Tauranga area alone in the last 12 months. It is estimated that during its lifetime, the new ambulance will travel more than half a million kilometres and respond to over 30,000 incidents.
ENDS
About Hato Hone St John:
- Hato Hone St John provides emergency ambulance services to 90 percent of people in New Zealand across 97 percent of the country.
- Hato Hone St John is made up of a mix of full-time paid staff and volunteers.
- Along with the emergency ambulance service, Hato Hone St John operates a significant number of community health programmes and other activities which help build community resilience. They include Waka Ora Health Shuttles, ASB Caring Caller, St John Youth, and St John in Schools.
- Hato Hone St John also delivers event health services, medical alarm services, first aid training, and operates retail stores across the country.
For further information please contact:
Hato Hone St John media team
PH: 0800 756 334 | E: media@stjohn.org.nz
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