New ambulance for Tauranga thanks to generous donation from Althorp Village

Tauranga St John has a new ambulance thanks to a generous donation from Althorp Village.

Althorp Village directors David Church and Talbot Munro yesterday attended a dedication service for the $225,000 ambulance at the village with village residents and representatives from St John.

The ambulance is kitted out with the latest equipment.

Mr Church said that when they considered the opportunity of building a geriatric hospital and lifestyle village 18 years ago they did not envision that one day they would be in a position to give back to the community by buying a fully equipped ambulance.

But thanks to sound decision making, excellent staff and the village's residents, they were now in a position to do so, he said.

The directors believed all citizens had an obligation to give back to their community in some way, Mr Church said.

"This gesture today is something that we feel will directly benefit a wide range of patients who are helped by these wonderful people at St John.

"The Munros and the Churches are delighted to be able to make this donation to such a worthy cause and feel humbled by being able to do so."

Mr Munro said he was pleased the donation would benefit the wider community.

"It's very pleasing to be able to contribute to the ambulance service," he said.

Knight of the Order of St John Jeremy Stubbs said the donation was a significant boost.

The new ambulance was fitted out with modern equipment, including a hydraulic stretcher capable of bearing a 318kg weight, he said.

"One of the big things is that it is $225,000 we don't have to find somewhere else."

Mr Stubbs said there had been years when the service had not been able to upgrade ambulances because of a lack of funds.

"We're delighted [with the donation] - there is a nexus between the need for an ambulance and caring for the elderly in our community."

Last month well-known property developer Bob Clarkson and his wife donated a fully kitted-out new ambulance to Mount Maunganui's St John Ambulance service.