Otago Community Trust (OCT) has made its second contribution to the cost and fit-out of a new front-line St John ambulance. 

The ambulance will be stationed at the Alexandra station, but it will cover a broad area from Alexandra to Cromwell, Wānaka and Roxburgh, which means it is a “vitally important” investment for the region, OCT chair Andy Kilsby said. 

“St John has recognised the need to future-proof their operations in the region, and our trustees see this new frontline ambulance as an essential investment for the region's needs.”

He said the Alexandra ambulance station not only responds to emergency ambulance incidents but also supports a wide variety of large-scale events held in the district.

The OCT contributed a $51,541 grant towards the cost and fit out last month, following an initial grant of just over $100,000 in May.

The St John grant was one of many region-wide focused grants from the OCT in June.

It also approved funding to 30 regional sporting bodies.

“The funding supports regional sporting bodies to introduce and/or maintain programmes which encourage participation and development of their sport in Otago,” Andy said. 

The only funding specific to the Upper Clutha in the founding round went to the Hāwea Playgroup, which received $5,000 towards the cost of upgrading and redesigning its playground.

In total, the OCT approved just over $1.4M to 50 organisations in June 2023.

The OCT is a philanthropic organisation which applies its trust funds for charitable and other purposes which are of benefit to the community. 

PHOTO: Supplied