Media release

A chance to say thanks

15 September 2008

Every day our community is protected by members of a whole range of emergency services who rescue us in times of trouble. These services are available at all hours, day or night, while we are at work, rest or play.

Too often, their work seems taken for granted and the vital part they play in keeping the city safe is overlooked.

St Mary of the Angels parish in central Wellington is remedying that with a public thanksgiving event that will give all Wellingtonians an opportunity to acknowledge the emergency services and thank them for the work they do.

This will take place on Tuesday, 7 October 2008, between 1pm and 2pm at St Mary of the Angels Church on Boulcott Street, Wellington. Displays by each participating service will be available for viewing on the lawn next to the church from 12.30pm.

Organisation of this event is a collaboration between St. Mary of the Angels’ Parish and the Society of Mary’s Inner City Ministry Team.

Wellington City Council is also cooperating in the arrangements. Mayor Kerry Prendergast will lead the acknowledgement and will make a small presentation to each of the services represented, including Fire, Ambulance, the Life Flight Trust, Police, Civil Defence and others (a complete list is attached).

People who have benefited from the work of the emergency services will speak about their experiences. These will include Kendall Eade, a Lower Hutt sole parent who collapsed at her home in January. Her life was saved by her quick-thinking seven-year-old son who called 111.

St Mary of the Angels Parish Priest Father Thige O’Leary SM says he is delighted at the support the event is receiving from the emergency services.

“They really appreciate what we are doing and are very enthusiastic about taking part. We hope for a strong turnout of Wellingtonians on the day to show their gratitude publicly,” Fr O’Leary says.

“We all hope we will never have to call on the help of the emergency services. But you never know when you will need them and it’s a comfort to know they are always there.”

Participating emergency services

Capital and Coast Flight Team (Intensive Care)

Coast Guard Kapiti

Coast Guard Mana

Coast Guard Wellington

Maritime New Zealand

Neo-Natal Intensive Care Flight Team

Rescue Co-ordination Centre New Zealand

St. John Wellington District

The Life Flight Trust

Transit Care Flight Team

Victim Support Wellington District

Wellington Fire District

Wellington Free Ambulance

Wellington Hospital Emergency Department

Wellington Police District

Wellington Region Civil Defence Emergency Management Group

Wellington Search and Rescue

Ends

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