St John is delighted to host the Prime Minister the Right Honourable John Key and representatives of the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal Trust in Christchurch.
The Prime Minister, the Honorable Amy Adams, Associate Minister for Canterbury Earthquake Recovery, and members of the Trust are visiting the St John regional operations centre at Orchard Road between 1.00pm to 2.00pm today Friday 27 April.
They will be viewing some of the mass casualty incident equipment and resources, emergency vehicles, and medical and emergency equipment purchased by St John using the generous $2.8 million grant St John received from the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal Trust last year.
“Thousands of people from all over the world generously donated to the Appeal and it is heartening to see their donations now helping charities like St John to support the people of Christchurch,” says Ros Burdon, Advisory Board Member of the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal Trust.
David Thomas, St John General Manager South Island, says “We are very pleased to have received the $2.8 million grant made last year from the Trust.”
“The $2.8 million grant was very important for St John,” Mr Thomas says. “We were able to replace and replenish our emergency equipment and resources following the devastating 22 February 2011 earthquake. The earthquake was a significant financial challenge. There have been many costs which St John has had to bear and the grant helped immensely.
“We are exceptionally thankful to the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal Trust and its Trustees for their support.”
Mr Thomas says the grant also has allowed us to prepare for any future event. “Obviously, we all hope we never have a disaster like that again. However, St John must always be prepared for events of that nature, or indeed, any significant mass casualty incident anywhere in the South Island or New Zealand.”
“The nature of our infrastructure and the extent of the damage caused by the earthquakes means that St John will have continuing campaigns for fundraising for ongoing costs, replacement of equipment, replacement of buildings.”
This opportunity to thank and acknowledge the $2.8 million grant is a good lead into the St John Annual Appeal, which takes place 18-24 June. “The Appeal is one of our key fundraising events nationally, and is a major opportunity for the New Zealand public to show their support to St John.”
Media are warmly invited to attend this event and get photos, video footage or interviews. For further information please contact: Ian Henderson, cell: 0274 362 528.