From toy ambulances to the real thing at Napier St John

Napier St John territory manager Brendon Hutchinson helps unwrap the new Gen 3 ambulance.Photo / John Cowpland Alpha Pix

Kiwis have helped turn block-set toy ambulances and stations into a much-needed ambulance for the Napier community, following ASB's successful St John Toy Ambulance Campaign.

The national campaign, which ran in December, saw nearly 20,000 toy ambulances and station sets sold at ASB branches around New Zealand, with all the money going towards helping to put ambulances on New Zealand roads.

The gift-wrapped, new and fully-equipped Gen 3 ambulance was gifted to St John members in Napier yesterday outside the Masonic Hotel.

ASB regional manager Barry Coffey thanked New Zealanders from across the Bay and the country for getting involved in the campaign.

"We're delighted to gift a new ambulance and life-saving equipment worth $230,000 to the Napier community,'' Coffey said.

''Both ASB customers and staff are proud of our partnership with St John, and it's incredibly special to be able to support the local St John officers by adding to their fleet and aiding their important work."

The new Napier ambulance is the third one gifted across New Zealand funded directly from the ASB toy ambulance campaign. While St John ambulance operations is 74 percent funded, its equipment - like ambulances - and buildings are not Government funded.

Napier St John Territory manager Brendon Hutchinson says the local community will be well-served by the new addition with lifesaving equipment inside.

"No one knows when they may need an ambulance, but if and when the time comes, it's good to know you'll get the best possible care at the right time,'' Hutchinson said.

''This ambulance will be on the road helping us save lives from this moment on. St John is grateful to ASB and the New Zealand public for their generous support."

Among local dignitaries and St John staff witnessing the unveiling of the ambulance were local ASB staff who added to the fundraising through a number of events, such as bake sales and most recently 'shaking the bucket' alongside St John Youth, St John staff, and volunteers at the local Farmers' Market.

The fully road-ready ambulance includes an automated Powerload Stryker Stretcher to help reduce lifting injures for ambulance officers. The vehicle is equipped with 180-degree LED emergency lights for greater safety.