New Zealand Community Trust (NZCT) has awarded the Order of St John South Island Region Trust Board a $150,842 grant to support the purchase of two new ambulances, enhancing patient care and improving safety for both medical personnel and patients.
The grant will help fund the purchase of a new Gen4.1 frontline ambulance and a new PTS ambulance, addressing the strain on their current frontline vehicles, which are operating at full capacity due to the growing demand for their services.
The new Gen 4.1 ambulances, built on the Mercedes VS30 chassis, are equipped with a single Stryker power-load stretcher and base, stair chair, and 360-degree safety cameras. These ambulances also feature advanced safety systems including electronic stability programming, front and rear park cameras, and a parallel parking guidance system.
The PTS ambulances help transport patients for planned and urgent transfers between facilities. They also support Hato Hone St John’s ability to respond to emergencies such as mass casualties or natural disasters, with the capacity to handle patients with varying levels of medical need.
Sam Kellick, Christchurch Area Operations Manager adds, “Hato Hone St John relies on the generosity of donors and funders like NZCT to buy new emergency vehicles. In 2024, our team responded to more than 40,000 incidents, and this grant from NZCT will help provide our people with the life-saving equipment that enables them to continue doing their amazing work, ensuring they are there for people who are at their most vulnerable.”
NZCT’s GM of Grants, Marketing and Communications, Ben Hodges, adds, “We’re proud to support Hato Hone St John in Christchurch, and the amazing work they do saving lives. This grant wouldn’t be possible without the responsible gaming partnerships we share with our Christchurch-based venues.”