All about St John's

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 10, Issue 441, 23 June 1992, Page 4

All about St John's

• Recently I was speaking to someone about the Order of St John and I was amazed at how little they knew about the Order, and as this Wednesday 24 June is St John the Baptist day I would like to tell people its workings. The Order is conferred for services in the cause of humanity throughout the Commonwealth and certain countries in the Middle East, and is open to both men and women of any nation, creed or religion. New Zealand's first Association was established in Christchurch in 1855. Ambulances responding to the sick or injured, uniformed volunteers on tke sports fields and first-aid training courses are the main activities today. These are the things

most people associate with St John. However, there's a lot more: they provide a nationwide network of professional care, training, help and support to people in a multitude of situations: national disasters, training, caring for patients in hospitals and nursing homes and helping the elderly and disabled. St Johns is divided into three services - ambulance, training and community which have distinct but complementary functions. The community services branch covers the work of the uniformed Brigade, the non-uniformed community core section and the St Johns youth. Those seen at public

gatherings are Brigade members. Their first-aid training knowledge and skills are constantly tested to ensure the highest standards. Membership of the Brigade brings opportunities for learning, helping, teaching, companionship and good times. Personal development is a great spin-off of involvement. Community Care members are active in their local areas visiting the sick, home nursing and helping the elderly. Welfare services including support and counselling are an important field taken on by the community care giver. St Johns Youth gives boys and girls from eight years, awards, a

chance to learn home safety, animal care, camping and of course first-aid. They make new friends, have fun, go on outings and really get to use their skills. It's reassuring for parents too to know that their children are gaining life skills. As they get older St Johns youth provides leadership training and problem-solving skills. Unfortunately as in many areas St Johns is now seemingly taken for granted. It is assumed they will automatically be there. While its members do care and would like to be able to cover every event, there are just so few of us this is not possible, especially in this area. So if you have an event coming up please write

to us giving the name of your club or organisation, the date of your event, times and contact numbers. The Ruapehu group covers a large area, from Kakatahi store to the Makatote Viaduct, to Ruatiti. From Access Road 17 on the Desert Road to Mulvay's corner, including Waiouru. To cover this area we have currently only four active Brigade members. If you would like to become a member of, or make a donation to St Johns work in your area or just to find out more about it please contact me. Write to: The Secretary, Ruapehu area Order of St Johns, C/Knic Knacs, 29 Clyde Street, Ohakune or phone 3854-899 after hours. We do care and try to always be there.

Gavin

Knight,

Area Secretary, Order ofSt John, Ruapehu Area