Four Square sponsorship big boost to St John rural services

October 5, 2011

Four Square sponsorship big boost to St John rural services

Four Square Supermarkets is thrilled to announce a $345,000 sponsorship of a St John service to rural South Island communities.

This will allow the extension of the St John Health Shuttle services to rural areas of Central Otago and North Canterbury. The service provides much-needed transport options to health appointments for members of the community.

The sponsorship will see the purchase of three new St John Health Shuttle vehicles and cover set up costs to support the establishment of services in these rural locations. The service will be run by community volunteers on an ongoing basis.

Alan Smith, Group Manager Four Square Supermarkets, said that when you look at where Four Square and St John have a presence around the South island, they are ideally matched.

“Four Square has a strong focus in rural areas and we understand the importance of St John in these areas. Many or our owners and staff have associations and contact with St John in their respective areas.

“Four Square is very community focused and we cannot think of many better ways to support the community,” he said.

The first new St John Health Shuttle service will start in Central Otago next month with another in North Canterbury to be introduced next year. St John and Four Square will be looking at other options to expand the service next year.

St John already provides a Health Shuttle service in the South Island in seven areas including Motueka, Marlborough, Lumsden, Otautau, Nelson, Gore and Winton.

Chrissie Cope, St John Community Programmes Manager South Island, said that they are thrilled to be working with Four Square Supermarkets to provide such an essential service to rural communities in the South Island.

“St John Health Shuttles provide free transport for people who have appointments with doctors, specialists, hospitals and other health-related appointments.

“Some people have particular challenges getting to and from an appointment due to age or health-related issues, or sometimes a lack of affordable transport. St John Health Shuttles are a way of assisting these people to get to their important medical appointments.

“The service is free but as St John is a charity people are encouraged to make a donation where possible to cover the running costs of the Health Shuttle,” she said.

All Health Shuttle volunteers are trained in first aid and attend a St John driving course and other education programmes.

ENDS

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