Local Business Funds Sixth Ambulance for St John Emergency Services

A significant donation has been made to emergency services in Putaruru, with the delivery of a new ambulance funded by the We Care Community Trust. This marks the sixth emergency vehicle provided since the trust’s establishment in October 2021. The funding exemplifies the commitment of local businesses to enhance community wellbeing and safety.

Under the leadership of owner Mandeep Singh, who recently joined the Tirau Local Board, Hog and Hounds Sports Bar has played a pivotal role in this initiative. Singh has garnered attention for his dedication to community-focused projects, underscoring how local enterprises can contribute to public health and safety.

Singh described the latest ambulance as an “equalising gift” that addresses essential community needs. “I personally feel this is a community need,” he stated. “St John works incredibly hard, and they need new ambulances to do their work and provide vital services to the community.”

Each ambulance donated by the trust is valued at approximately $331,000, according to the trust’s chairman, Raghbir Singh. Previous donations have supported regions such as Te Puke, Hāwera, Thames, Kaipara, and Katikati, establishing a substantial legacy of lifesaving support.

The newly delivered Gen 4 ambulance boasts advanced technology, including power-load electric stretchers and stair carry chairs. These innovations are designed to enhance safety and efficiency in patient handling. “These ambulances come with very good technology,” Mandeep Singh noted. “In the past, staff often suffered back injuries — now, these automated systems reduce that risk significantly.”

The collaboration between Hog and Hounds Sports Bar and the We Care Community Trust highlights the potential for local businesses to influence community health positively. Through these efforts, Singh continues to contribute to improved emergency response capabilities, demonstrating the vital role of community-driven initiatives in fostering resilience and wellbeing.

As local businesses like Hog and Hounds Sports Bar step up to support essential services, they play a crucial part in shaping stronger communities. The latest donation not only enhances the emergency services available in Putaruru but also serves as a model for other enterprises looking to make a meaningful impact.