St John's Easter Fundraiser 2014

Staff at Online Republic celebrated Easter this year with an Easter themed morning tea, a fun Easter egg hunt and an enlightening talk from St John’s staff about what the Starlight Fund sponsored Ambulance No. 93 does in a typical day. 

It was amazing to find out that since it’s launch just over a year ago the ambulance had attended more than 4,800 incidents. So while the ambulance build has been sponsored and paid for there are many ongoing maintenance and medical consumables costs.

It was interesting and humbling to find out what some of the incidents involved and what the St John staff can face in a very long, typical day.

Funds raised by staff who give regularly from their salary, plus donations on the day, then matching by Online Republic meant that $3201 was donated directly to St John. For this we were able to donate: a new Combi carrier (stretcher) at $1,695, a compact carry chair at $1,290 plus three IV Starter Kits at $72 each.

Staff at Online Republic are committed to continuing support for St John. We are now even more aware of what they do for our community and we realise we never know when it may be us or a family member or friend who may need their services.

We aim to continue fundraising with Online Republic matching funds raised by staff on a six monthly basis.

Donation to Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Australia.

The Starlight Fund was set up to honour Paul Ballantyne who passed from this world in January 2011. While living in Melbourne, Australia, Paul had experienced severe headaches and was diagnosed with stage 4 melanoma which had metastasized in his brain.

Paul had a high-risk brain tumor operation within days of his diagnosis. The surgeon did a fantastic job, but sadly the tumor returned a few months later and a second brain operation was required. By this time however the cancer was throughout his body and Paul lost his fight with cancer around 6 months after his diagnosis.

Paul was extremely grateful for the quality of the care he received from Alfred staff and had nothing but praise for the nurses, doctors and surgeons.

To thank the Alfred Hospital for their care of Paul, early in 2014, Paul’s brother and sister-in-law, Mike and Jen Ballantyne donated funds towards the purchase of much needed neurological microsurgery surgical instruments.

We hope that in providing these instruments, the "rock star" surgeons, as Paul referred to them, will be able to help improve and save the lives of others. 

Additional Funds Raised For St John

By Sept 2013 the St John Starlight Fund Ambulance No. 93 had already responded to over 2,788 incidents.

So in early October 2013 staff at Online Republic had a “Bake Off” to report on the ambulance's activity, raise awareness of the project for new and current staff as well as raise funds for ambulance supplies. The Bake Off was a huge hit. Staff were able to sample baking entries for a donation then vote for the best baking. The winner was rewarded with a cool baking recipe book and a miniature ambulance.

Staff gave generously and donations were matched by Online Republic making a total of $7,000 to donate to St John. The money was used to fund two fully equipped intensive care kits to help save lives.

St John Intensive Care Paramedics are equipped with a Response Kit they use for every call out no matter what the emergency is. They do not leave the vehicle without it and without these packs they can not do their jobs. Everything inside is a consumable and needs to be replaced regularly and at times daily. It's good to know St John is there if needed.