St John to turn little toy ambulances into big ones

The toy ambulances. Photo/Supplied

St John are hoping to turn little toy ambulances into big ones in a new fundraising campaign.

With 455,000 ambulance calls; 428,000 patients cared for and nearly 20 million kilometres travelled in New Zealand in the past year alone, St John ambulances and their paramedics are many New Zealanders' first port of call in an emergency.

With this high demand for its services, a further St John ambulance is needed at a cost of $200,000.

The 106-piece block set toy ambulances, being sold for $15 each, will help raise money to buy a new fully-equipped ambulance.

St John Director of Customers and Services Peter Loveridge said the little toy will make an excellent stocking-filler as well as raising funds for the charity to buy a much-needed ambulance.

"St John really values the ongoing support of ASB. All money raised from the toy ambulances will go towards buying a new lifesaving ambulance for New Zealand communities. A fully equipped ambulance costs more than $200,000 and we couldn't fund them without our generous supporters and partners such as ASB," he said.

The toy ambulances are the latest initiative between ASB and St John, who have had a longstanding partnership since 2008.

ASB Head of Community and Sponsorship Mark Graham was looking forward to seeing the toy ambulances in ASB branches throughout the country.

"ASB hopes New Zealanders take to the St John toy ambulance campaign with enthusiasm. Not only is it a great way to demonstrate support for St John, but Kiwis can look forward to seeing a brand new ambulance on the road and know they played a part in making that happen," he said.

The St John toy ambulances will be available at ASB branches nationally, from ASB True Rewards and www.asb.co.nz/stjohn from November 16 2015.