Community funders are complementing each other in Central Otago with a significant donation to Hato Hone St John.
The Otago Community Trust (OCT) gave $51,541 towards the cost and fit-out of a new ambulance in Alexandra, following on from the $100,980 granted by Central Lakes Trust in May.
OCT chairman Andy Kilsby said the Alexandra ambulance station covered a large geographical area including Cromwell, Wanaka, Roxburgh and wider Central Otago.
Hato Hone St John fundraising manager south and national gifts in wills manager Debbie Zwies said each year in Alexandra and Central Otago an individual ambulance responded to more than 1500 incidents, with around 32% triaged as life-threatening or time-critical.
The new ambulance should be in the community next month, she said.
In total the OCT gave more than $1.4 million in grants.
Other groups to benefit in Central Otago and Upper Clutha ranged from choirs to playgroups to sports events:
Central Otago Regional Choir, Alexandra, $2500; WoolOn Creative and Fashion Society Inc, $10,000; Hawea Playgroup, $5000; Mainland South BMX, Alexandra, $16,250; Central Otago Hockey, Cromwell, $15,000; Snow Sports NZ, Wanaka, $40,000.
