Feb 28 2011
Kiwis worldwide can go online to support St John, the ambulance service provider helping residents and communities in Christchurch after the recent earthquake which devastated much of the city.
The website www.donatechristchurch.co.nz enables internet and mobile phone users abroad to make a donation to St John and leave messages of goodwill and support on a community notice board.
New Zealand and UK-based IT firm Trademobile has set up the website for St John, a community-based charity which will use all donations to fund its services and rebuild emergency ambulance service infrastructure damaged by the earthquake.
St John spokesperson Gerry Fitzgerald said that mobile and internet technology offers people who want to support St John a fast and practical way to do so.
"We've had enquiries from people overseas wanting to support our work. The website means that people anywhere can donate and help us to rebuild and continue to provide emergency medical care and other community services to Christchurch people," he said.
Mr Fitzgerald said St John is helping to support hundreds of homeless and displaced people at welfare centres across the city and in outlying districts such as Rangiora and Rolleston.
"Our ambulance officers and community volunteers are providing care to people in need under very difficult circumstances and operating from temporary locations in the city.
"Donations will boost our ability to restore St John ambulance stations and maintain our much-needed services."
SOURCE St John, New Zealand