Hato Hone St John has welcomed a brand-new emergency ambulance to its Tokoroa fleet, thanks to the ongoing support of We Care Community Trust.
The new Generation 4 ambulance was blessed during a special ceremony held at the Tokoroa ambulance station on Thursday, 10 September, and was attended by representatives from We Care Community Trust, Hato Hone St John ambulance staff and fundraising team members.
The ambulance is the ninth emergency service vehicle funded by We Care Community Trust since 2022, highlighting the Trust’s ongoing commitment to supporting frontline emergency care across the North Island.
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. A generous contribution from donors Barry and Linda Jackson helped fund essential equipment for the ambulance.
Since 2022, We Care Community Trust has provided more than $2 million in grant funding to Hato Hone St John for ambulances and other essential resources.
In addition to funding ambulances, the Trust has contributed towards essential equipment and operational needs, including defibrillators, ventilators, generators, and ongoing vehicle running costs.
In recognition of this outstanding support, the Trust was awarded a Priority Vote of Thanks in 2024.
We Care Community Trust chair Raji Singh says the Trust is honoured to support the delivery of the new ambulance into service.
“Emergency responders do vital, life-saving work in our communities every day, and ensuring they have access to modern, reliable vehicles is critical. We are privileged to play a role in strengthening our local health and emergency care infrastructure," says Mr Singh.
Craig Scott, Hato Hone St John Area Operations Manager – Central West, says the new ambulance will be a vital ambulance resource that will serve the Tokoroa and South Waikato communities.
"We are incredibly grateful for the remarkable support We Care Community Trust has shown Hato Hone St John and the communities we serve.
“The funding of nine ambulances in just three years is an extraordinary contribution that is helping ensure our frontline crews have the equipment and vehicles they need to provide the best possible care. This new ambulance enables our people to respond with modern, life-saving equipment when patients need us most," says Mr Scott.
Hato Hone St John Central Region Fundraising Manager Jeanette Horan says partnerships such as this play a vital role in supporting emergency services.
"The ongoing generosity of We Care Community Trust is having a lasting impact on communities throughout the North Island. This ambulance will support the people of Tokoroa and South Waikato for years to come, ensuring local crews can continue delivering high-quality emergency care close to home," says Ms Horan.
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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