Racing Industry Backs Canterbury With New St John Ambulance

The New Zealand racing industry has thrown its support behind the residents of Canterbury by donating a new St John ambulance to serve the region.

Canterbury is recovering from devastating earthquakes and the donation of the new ambulance to St John is recognition of the organisation’s unswerving support of all Cantabrians in trying times.

The new Mercedes ambulance, worth more than $150,000, will join the St John fleet serving Christchurch and the Canterbury region.

NZ Racing Board Chairman Michael Stiassny said the Board and the three racing Codes – NZ Thoroughbred Racing, Harness Racing NZ and Greyhound Racing NZ – wanted to support Canterbury in a lasting way.

“Racing hold a special place in the hearts of Cantabrians and the entire industry was in shock following the earthquakes.

“We wanted to show our ongoing support by funding something that would not only help people immediately but for years to come.

“Given the sterling work performed by the dedicated men and women of St John in hugely demanding circumstances we thought it fitting to show our support with a new ambulance.”

St John Regional Operations Manager Chris Haines was delighted to have a new ambulance joining the fleet.

“St John has a long history and association with racing in New Zealand. Many ambulance officers began their careers with St John doing events work and that included many hours trackside at race meetings.

“St John would like to thank the NZ Racing Board for its generous donation of an ambulance for Christchurch.

“The past few months have been challenging for the community. St John has been proud to play a key role in rescue and recovery operations and we’re incredibly thankful for the support and generosity of the public and organisations such as the NZ Racing Board.”

The NZ Racing Board’s fundraising for the ambulance came courtesy of a contribution from bets placed with the TAB during the finals weekend of The Christchurch Casino and Sky City Auckland Inter Dominion Finals last month.

The TAB donated 5c from every Tote ticket sold on all races run during the finals weekend.

Money raised from the Fill the Basin festival cricket match in Wellington in March also went into the donation pot.

Racing industry officials will make a special presentation to St John at the Nevele R-PGG Wrightson premier race day at Addington this Saturday, May 14.

ENDS

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