Ryman resident Diana Letica has gone the extra mile in showing her support for Hato Hone St John by purchasing an ambulance.
When Diana Letica heard that Ryman Healthcare had chosen Hato Hone St John as its charity partner this year, she was excited to support the cause.
With numerous raffles and fundraising initiatives being put on in Ryman villages around the country throughout the year, the Miriam Corban Village resident was keen to do her bit.
“In December, I did a big Christmas hamper, which was raffled just before Christmas for NZD 625,” she said.
“I thought it was great that we were helping this charity with the important services they provide.”
But Letica’s support didn’t end there.
Living in Henderson, not far from Waitākere Hospital, she became aware of the vital work that St John does and was suddenly inspired.
“One day I just thought I would like to help and do something. I see ambulances so often, and they are so busy. I felt in my heart that I want to buy an ambulance and that way I can help people,” said Letica, who has also had personal experience of the service.
“I had to call an ambulance several times for my late husband, and they were very, very good. Some people leave the money in their will but this way I get to enjoy the gift of giving now.”
At a special event held in April, Letica got to see her new ambulance up close, even sitting in the driver’s seat, then going for a spin along the motorway with sirens and lights flashing.
Letica, who often plays her piano accordion for fellow residents in the village, chose a musical notes logo to go with the words ‘Caring, Comforting, Helping, Supporting’ and her name on the side of the vehicle so she will recognise it when it’s out on its travels.
The whole process had taken about six weeks from when she first contacted St John about the idea.
“It’s a patient transfer ambulance based at Pitt Street, which transports patients to appointments, but it can also do emergencies like the other ones do.”
Letica, a proud life member of the Dalmatian Cultural Society, posted a picture of her sitting in the driver’s seat to her friends on social media, saying what she’d done and was soon flooded with responses.
“I had hundreds of replies from family in Croatia, France, Australia, so many beautiful comments. I was so overwhelmed I sat down and cried.”
Miriam Corban Village Manager, Michelle Barnard, said she was blown away by her incredible gesture.
“To donate an ambulance is such an amazingly generous thing to do. We are all so proud of Diana.”
“We’re especially grateful to residents like Diana, whose generosity has been truly inspiring,” said Maggie Butler, National Manager, Partnerships & Activations at Hato Hone St John.
“Her gift, complete with a musical logo and her name, is a powerful symbol of compassion and community spirit.”
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