Over $12 000 has been raised for the Te Anau St Johns Ambulance, following a charity fěte held in the town on Saturday (30 January).

The fundraiser, including a raffle and charity auction, was organised by St Johns committee treasurer Trevor Scott-Smith and his wife Helen, to help fund extensive upgrades to the Te Anau ambulance station.  

The fěte was held in their large garden and included a ukulele band performance, food stalls, plant sales and a classic car display.

Photo: Trevor Scott-Smith

Scott-Smith says the day was a huge success.

“The garden fěte on Saturday went beyond all expectations. Community wise, it did the trick, I think people forgot about Covid, they were wondering about checking out the classic cars, having picnics under the trees, it was such a lovely and happy atmosphere.” 

He says the event managed to raise $12828.15 in total, through raffle ticket, food, and plant sales, as well as bids on the charity auction.

“I am totally blown away, every cent given goes to our Ambulance Station, your ambulance station, so a huge, huge thank you to everyone.”

Photo: Trevor Scott-Smith

All funds raised will go toward required upgrades to the Te Anau ambulance station. 

These are in response to rule changes meaning paramedics manning ambulance stations now must spend their 12hr shifts on site, rather than at home while on call. 

This is designed to provide faster response to accident callouts but will require the ambulance station to provide accommodation for staff. 

Required upgrades are estimated to cost around $40 000, and fundraising efforts will be ongoing.