Wheely big fundraiser for St John

Michaela and Roan Forsyth check out Rod Sklenars' 1970 Ford Ranchero at Wheels in Whanganui. PHOTO BEVAN CONLEY

After nine months planning their ambitious fundraiser Angela and Andre Teal were rapt when the big rigs started arriving on Saturday.

The two, their family, friends and other supporters held the two-day fundraiser for St John Ambulance at the Whanganui Racecourse on Saturday and Sunday. Called Wheels in Wanganui it featured cars, trucks, other vehicles, raffles, stalls and amusements for children.

The weather has been changeable and Mrs Teal wasn't sure whether the vehicles they needed would arrive on Saturday morning.

"We didn't know what to expect, but they all just came," she said.

The Teals had 30 volunteers working on the days. Food stalls paid to be there and amusements were to give half their profits to the cause. There was a small entrance fee and people could also buy raffle tickets, pay for rides and vote on their favourite car or truck - with prizes awarded to the winners.

Trucking companies paid to have vehicles there, and the drivers gave their time for free. Whanganui Fire Service brought engines and children scrambled for lollies thrown from the top of a ladder.

At least 30 individuals and businesses made donations of various kinds, and the event was publicised by word of mouth and free newspapers.

The Teals didn't have a goal amount for the fundraiser.

"Whatever we make is better than nothing," Mrs Teal said.

They have their own reasons to be grateful for emergency medical personnel. Last summer their six-month-old daughter was taken to hospital by ambulance, with heat stroke, and Mrs Teal rang 111 one morning before Christmas, in pain from gallstones.

"We thought we wanted to do something for the ambulance because the ambulance is out there doing stuff for everybody," she said.