"I don't think presents are important to me because I already have too much. I thought this would make other people happy. I feel proud of myself, that I've done something that helps other people and I just want to keep doing it."
Mr Everiss said Louise's donations went towards the operation of the service, so they were helping to save lives in her community. It cost about $200,000 to get a fully equipped ambulance on the road.
"Every little bit helps and $1500 is a significant amount. It's fantastic."
St John spokesman Robbie Walker said the Government funds about 70 per cent of St John's costs, which mostly covers wages, through contracts with the Ministry of Health, ACC and district health boards.
This leaves the organisation short of money for ambulances, station upkeep and equipment, such as stretchers, first responder kits and defibrillators.
Stretchers cost about $13,000 each, and first responder kits $3500.
The shortfall is made up from payment of part charges, community donations, revenue from commercial activities and fundraising.
The organisation raised $31.7 million through fundraising in the 2014/15 financial year, almost half of which came from individual donations, he said.
