Wellington Free Ambulance gives vote of thanks to volunteers

Wellington Free Ambulance gives vote of thanks to volunteers

Today is International Volunteer Day, and Wellington Free Ambulance would like to acknowledge and thank all their volunteers for their hard work.

The theme for this year’s day is ‘Ma tini ma mano ka rapa te whai. By many, by thousands, the work will be accomplished.’

Wellington Free Ambulance Service Delivery Manager Warren Cornor says volunteers are a core part of the Wellington Free crew.

“We have scores of volunteers out every weekend supporting paramedics, or treating sprains and ills at events,” he says.

“They are amazing the way they give up their own time to help others, and it’s their dedication that makes it possible for us to get services and care to people all around the Greater Wellington and Wairarapa region.”

Mr Cornor says that next time you see a Wellington Free Ambulance medic at a festival, fun run, or sports event, stop and say thanks.

“They are truly people who make a difference in their communities.”

Wellington Free Ambulance has around 50 volunteers. Each one is deserving of a special acknowledgement, but here are just a couple:

Wayne Stevens, of Ngaio, has been a volunteer with WFA for nine years. He was encouraged to join through another of his volunteering roles with Land Search and Rescue.

A recent winner of the regional Pride of New Zealand Emergency Services award, Wayne says volunteering with WFA is overwhelmingly rewarding.

“The feeling of knowing you are truly making a difference on an individual level, and even saving someone’s life, it’s fantastic,” Wayne says.

“What’s striking about Wellington Free Ambulance is how well regarded it is in Wellington. Everyone genuinely respects and admires the service and those who work for it.”

In her early twenties, Elizabeth Mos has been volunteering with WFA for three and a half years, clocking up around 700 hours per year.

Elizabeth enjoys the difference between her day job, a compliance officer for IRD, and spending time as an event medic on the weekends.

“I love being out and about with the public, especially talking with children. It helps to take the fear away should they ever need us,” Elizabeth says.

Catherine Wedderburn is a Wairarapa volunteer Emergency Medical Technician for Wellington Free Ambulance, a post which began in the eighties after a first aid course.

Catherine enjoys the feeling of giving back to a community that has given to her, and the sense of belonging with her colleagues.

“The WFA team in Wairarapa are like an extension of family through the experiences that you share," she says.

ENDS

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