CHARITY LAUNCHES FUNDRAISING APPEAL FOR NEW AMBULANCE
CHARITY LAUNCHES FUNDRAISING APPEAL FOR NEW AMBULANCE
OMAGH'S St John Ambulance Brigade desperately needs a new ambulance to replace its obsolete vehicle.
A �25,000 fundraising appeal has been launched by local volunteers who treated casualties at the scene of the Market Street bombing of August 15, 1998.
The dedicated Omagh branch has already been forced to turn down requests to attend numerous summer events because the old vehicle will undoubtedly fail the MOT in July.
A new ambulance, specially designed to meet the needs of the St John Ambulance Brigade, costs �45,000. London headquarters recently awarded the local branch �20,000, leaving them a shortfall of �25,000 to be collected through local fundraising.
Mrs. Joan Beattie, superintendent, explained that the brigade has been given until September to reach the target amount to replace the 1981 model.
"Our ambulance really is on its last legs, and the new EC regulations coming in will mean that it will no longer meet the standard. It is therefore absolutely essential that we raise the money as soon as possible and obtain an up-to-date vehicle," she said.
And she warned that the branch's inability to attend summer events could actually put the future of such occasions in jeopardy.
"Many of these things may not be able to go ahead because the law says that first aid cover must be provided," she said.
The campaign to purchase a new fully equipped ambulance to serve in and around the town was launched in Omagh Leisure Centre on Wednesday last.
Donations have already begun to flow in with contributions coming from the proceeds of the recent Bygone Farming Day at Garvaghy and the Cooley Festival Committee, Co. Loath.
During the past year, local St, John's volunteers have put in over 3,000 hours of first aid and nursing duties at public events in and around the town, such as the Omagh and Fintona Shows, the Ulster Motor Rally, and the North West 200.
But their commitment was really put to the test at the time of the Market Street bombing.
Along with members of other voluntary organisations, they assisted at the scene of the bomb and at the hospital, and staffed the information centre where relatives came to find information about their loved ones.
They also provided voluntary cover at many of the funerals, the candlelit vigil and Act of Prayerful Remembrance the following week. Any donation no matter how small towards the �25,000 target from the business community or members of the public will be received gratefully by the local brigade.
To make a donation, contact Mr Robert Johnston, treasurer, on 01662 252187.
OMAGH'S St John Ambulance Brigade desperately needs a new ambulance to replace its obsolete vehicle.
A �25,000 fundraising appeal has been launched by local volunteers who treated casualties at the scene of the Market Street bombing of August 15, 1998.
The dedicated Omagh branch has already been forced to turn down requests to attend numerous summer events because the old vehicle will undoubtedly fail the MOT in July.
A new ambulance, specially designed to meet the needs of the St John Ambulance Brigade, costs �45,000. London headquarters recently awarded the local branch �20,000, leaving them a shortfall of �25,000 to be collected through local fundraising.
Mrs. Joan Beattie, superintendent, explained that the brigade has been given until September to reach the target amount to replace the 1981 model.
"Our ambulance really is on its last legs, and the new EC regulations coming in will mean that it will no longer meet the standard. It is therefore absolutely essential that we raise the money as soon as possible and obtain an up-to-date vehicle," she said.
And she warned that the branch's inability to attend summer events could actually put the future of such occasions in jeopardy.
"Many of these things may not be able to go ahead because the law says that first aid cover must be provided," she said.
The campaign to purchase a new fully equipped ambulance to serve in and around the town was launched in Omagh Leisure Centre on Wednesday last.
Donations have already begun to flow in with contributions coming from the proceeds of the recent Bygone Farming Day at Garvaghy and the Cooley Festival Committee, Co. Loath.
During the past year, local St, John's volunteers have put in over 3,000 hours of first aid and nursing duties at public events in and around the town, such as the Omagh and Fintona Shows, the Ulster Motor Rally, and the North West 200.
But their commitment was really put to the test at the time of the Market Street bombing.
Along with members of other voluntary organisations, they assisted at the scene of the bomb and at the hospital, and staffed the information centre where relatives came to find information about their loved ones.
They also provided voluntary cover at many of the funerals, the candlelit vigil and Act of Prayerful Remembrance the following week. Any donation no matter how small towards the �25,000 target from the business community or members of the public will be received gratefully by the local brigade.
To make a donation, contact Mr Robert Johnston, treasurer, on 01662 252187.
Further Information
Publisher: TYRONE CONSTITUTION
Ref: TC/1342
Published Date: 22-Apr-99
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