March 14, 2000
(Health and Community Services)

St. John Ambulance receives $75,000 toward $300,000 capital infrastructure campaign

Roger Grimes, Minister of Health and Community Services today presented St. John Ambulance with $75,000 toward a $300,000 capital infrastructure campaign to modernize and upgrade St. John Ambulance�s mobile first aid vehicles and other equipment used in the province. The cheque presentation was made at St. John Ambulance offices in St. John�s today.

"I am pleased that the Department of Health and Community Services is able to provide $75,000 to help modernize and upgrade St. John Ambulance�s capital infrastructure. With the new and improved vehicles and equipment, St. John Ambulance volunteers will be better able to perform the emergency first aid services that they have become known for and for which many people depend upon," said Minister Grimes. "I wish St. John Ambulance the best of luck in this initiative and hope that other groups and organizations step forward to provide support."

In total, St. John Ambulance hopes to raise $300,000. The goal is to raise about two-thirds of the total funding through private sector donations, primarily from the business community and labour organizations.

"The need for new mobile first aid units and other equipment is a most urgent requirement currently facing St. John Ambulance," said Ian Kelly, president of St. John Ambulance. " The Department of Health and Community Service�s funding of this initiative goes a long way in helping us reach our goal."

St. John Ambulance volunteers provide community services throughout the province including the provision of first aid services at community events. Events attended by St. John Ambulance range from high profile celebrations to children�s sporting events, municipal day celebrations and other local activities. St. John Ambulance volunteers provided first aid services during the Millennium Celebrations on the St. John�s waterfront on December 31, 1999, and will provide service during the Viking Millennium celebration in 2000.

Media contact:

Carl Cooper, Department of Health and Community Services, (709) 729-1377.
John O�Brien, St. John�s Ambulance, (709) 726-4200.

2000 03 14                                                             10:05 a.m.