11.03.11

Hyundai is helping the recovery and rebuild of Canterbury with a big cash injection and vehicles in the quake-shattered region.

Hyundai Motor Corporation, representing the worldwide organisation, joined with Hyundai New Zealand and its nationwide dealer network to hand over an immediate cheque of $200,000 to St John, which has been hit hard as it struggles to do its vital work.

Hyundai New Zealand has provided additional assistance with vehicles for St John, which is currently operating out of a Christchurch car park with much of its infrastructure destroyed.

Hyundai is providing an iMax van and two Santa Fe SUVs on long-term loan, as well as the cash donation. St John already has already has a fleet of Hyundai four-wheel-drives for response work.

“Like all of New Zealand and the international community, Hyundai has been stunned to see the devastation wrought on Christchurch and Canterbury,” commented the Chief Operating Officer of Hyundai New Zealand, Tom Ruddenklau.

“The senior executives from Hyundai in South Korea have been asking us how best they could help, and of course we in New Zealand want to assist as well.”

“After discussion with St John, which is doing such marvellous work on the ground, we decided a substantial cash donation was most needed right now.”

“Hyundai Motor Corporation in South Korea has provided an immediate sum of $100,000, and we have matched that with an equal amount from Hyundai New Zealand and also our dealer network.”

“Each of the Hyundai dealers around the country has been generous in support, and we have coordinated their efforts and added our own contribution from Hyundai New Zealand.”

“As a 100 percent New Zealand owned and operated organisation throughout the national distributorship and dealer network, we feel the pain experienced by so many in the quake region.”

“We are proud to be associated with St John in the organisation’s sterling work and it is with passion and sincerity we provide this assistance,” said Mr Ruddenklau.

The assistance was welcomed by St John Chief Executive James Wood.

"This very generous gesture from Hyundai will help us rebuild St John's infrastructure in Christchurch which will in turn benefit the communities of Christchurch,” he said.

“Like many of the residents and businesses in Christchurch we are operating in very difficult times and much of our infrastructure has been destroyed.”

“Our ambulance officers and community volunteers are providing care to people in need under very tough circumstances and operating from temporary locations in the city.”

"Donations like these will boost our ability to restore St John ambulance stations and maintain our much-needed services. “

“As a community-based charity running an essential service, St John relies on financial and volunteer support from the community to help fund the range of services we provide; to improve the health and well-being of all New Zealanders," Mr Wood said.

St John provides emergency ambulance services for nearly 90% of New Zealanders and to 97% of New Zealand's geographical area. The organisation is strongly based in local communities and relies on the goodwill of New Zealand people and organisations.

On an historical note, St John's first meeting in New Zealand was in Merivale in Christchurch in 1885 and was called by then Mayor Charles Hulbert and the business community.

"It is very heartening to see, 126 years on, our role and its required resources are continued to be recognised and acknowledged," said Mr Wood.

“Hyundai have been very generous to St John and the community greatly benefits as a result.”

ENDS

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