When I visited the Petone Club for their Christmas function I happened to strike up a conversation with a Club member who happened to be a driver for Wellington Free Ambulance.
I asked innocently: "What happens to those ambulances that you retire?"
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| Wellington-based Clubs were able to purchase a new Wellington Free Ambulance that RI President Ray was able to view in August of last year. This Rotry ambulance is currently in Christchurch. |
The rest, you might say, is history!
Wellington Free have agreed to provide the 6 Rotary Districts of New Zealand and the Pacific Islands (Zone 7b) a fully equipped Dodge Ambulance (at a cost of only $22,500) and for us to transport it to an island in the South Pacific.
When I was at South Pacific PETS I met up with Geoffrey Amos from the Rotary Club of Taveuni Island in Fiji. After a very productive session we agreed that the initial ambulance would head their way - with the possibility of more to come in future years and to benefit other islands in the Pacific.
I spoke to my fellow Governors and they all agreed that they would equally contribute to the cost of the Ambulance and would fully support the project to serve our Pacific neighbours.
A big thanks to AG Scott Bruce who has put his hand up to project manage this exercise.
It was just a simple question - really!If your Club wants to contribute to this exciting project, contact your AG. Our District needs to raise $3,750. That is only $62.50 per Club if we all contributed in 9940.
Watch this space!
