The St John annual appeal has kicked off this week with collection buckets popping up in ASB branches around the region.
St John is a registered charity that, unlike police and fire services, relies on donations.
Chief Executive of St John Jaimes Wood says by making a donation people are helping provide
life-saving emergency services all year round.
"We are a charity and our ambulance service this year will have a shortfall of $14 million.
"We will rely on the goodwill of New Zealanders to make up the difference."
Northland ambulance officer Debbie Kempster says the annual appeal is important because most people don't realise that St John is a charitable organisation.
"It's an awesome way for us to get out there and tell the community that we're here to help," she said. "The more donations we put into the appeal, the more that goes back into the community."
Ms Kempster describes working with St John as "a real buzz". She says the highlight is turning up to help people and seeing how thankful they are in return.
Mr Wood said before the tyres of an ambulance hit the road to respond to a 111 call more than $200,000 had been spent; that included $156,975 for the ambulance, $38,985 for a defibrillator, $11,495 for the stretcher, $10,000 on average for the training and uniform of each officer and $1000 of emergency equipment.
To make a donation, head into any ASB branch, call 0800 ST JOHN or online at www.stjohnappeal.org.nz.
