MEDIA RELEASE - Wellingtonians will have another new ambulance on the road with the launch of a new free ambulance enabled by corporate donations – including $100,000 from Vodafone.

Vodafone has teamed up with other Wellington-based corporates Kiwibank, Fairfax and KPMG to help fund the launch, part of a five-year community partnership with Wellington Free Ambulance.

The Wellington Free Ambulance service responds to around 50,000 incidents annually. It is the only ambulance service in Greater Wellington and Wairarapa, covering from north of Waikanae, across to the top of Mount Bruce and down to the Cook Strait – and it’s free.

Wellington Free Ambulance Chief Executive, Diana Crossan, says generous support from companies like Vodafone is the lifeline of the service.

“Our ambulance and paramedic services are free, because we believe that in an emergency people should get the help they need without worrying about the cost. This wouldn’t be possible without corporate and individual donations.

“The addition of another free ambulance to our response fleet means that we can help more Wellington people in need. It’s as simple as that.”

Vodafone Technology Director, Sandra Pickering, says the company’s donation was an opportunity to support an organisation that many people in the capital have come to rely on.

“Our customers hold the Wellington Free Ambulance in high esteem, so we’re pleased to be able to help them better serve the 500,000 people in their area with another ambulance.

“In addition to the $100,000 donation, we’ll be upgrading their IT and communications, including providing a fully-managed PABX solution, fixed and mobile services.”