RRT supports ONESIE day event for Wellington Free Ambulance annual appeal
In a heartwarming display of community support, the Rapid Relief Team (RRT) was grateful to be included in the Wellington Free Ambulance Onesie Day, on Friday 7th September 2023. This exciting event aims to raise awareness and funds for the invaluable services provided by the Wellington Free Ambulance.
The Wellington Free Ambulance (WFA) is a non-profit organization that has been serving the Wellington region for several decades. WFA is the only emergency ambulance service for Greater Wellington and Wairarapa, providing emergency support for tens of thousands of people each year all across the region. They provide emergency medical care and transportation to those in need, ensuring that no one is left without assistance during critical times. Their dedication and commitment to the community have made them an integral part of Wellington’s healthcare system.
Onesie Day is an annual fundraising event organized by the Wellington Free Ambulance. Each year, the organisation must raise over $7 million from fundraising and the Onesie appeal is the biggest community fundraiser of the year. It encourages individuals, schools, businesses, and community groups to don their favorite onesies and raise funds to support the ambulance service. The event not only brings a sense of fun and unity but also highlights the importance of accessible emergency medical care for all.
The Rapid Relief Team, known for its philanthropic endeavours, was thrilled to be a part of the Wellington Free Ambulance Onesie Day this year. RRT actively contributed by providing over 1000 free melt-in-your-mouth breakfast burgers to commuters at the Wellington central railway station who were supporting the Onesie Day Appeal. Staff and volunteers from Wellington Free Ambluance were alongside collecting donations from commuters. By joining forces with the Wellington Free Ambulance, RRT aims to amplify the impact of this fundraising initiative and help raise vital funds for the ambulance service.
Brent Smith, team leader for the Wellington region said, “RRT were thrilled to be able to physically support Wellington Free Ambulance Onesie Day Appeal again. The atmosphere was vibrant, positive, and buzzing with enthusiasm. Support from commuters who dug deep and gave, was amazing and it was great to be able to show appreciation to them by providing a breakfast.”
“On behalf of the WFA team, I want to say a huge thank you to you along with everyone at RRT who braved the windy Wellington morning on Thursday 7th in support of our Onesie Appeal. The morning was an absolute success, and I am happy to report that from the two hours that you were serving breakfast and we were collecting we raised an incredible $6748.00 [at Wellington Railway Station]. We’re blown away by this fantastic result!”
Claire Carruthers
General Manager Fundraising and Communications
One of the event organisers reported, ‘We have finally wrapped up our 2023 Onesie Appeal and I am very happy to inform you that thanks to you and the RRT’s support along with our many volunteers the Street Collection raised $80,394. In total, this year’s Onesie Appeal raised an incredible $266,500.‘
The Wellington Free Ambulance Onesie Day in September 2023 was another memorable event that helped to bring together the community in support of a vital cause. A huge shout out to every single person that made a drop in the bucket, dressed in a onesie or made an online donation! Rapid Relief Team were thrilled to make a significant difference in ensuring the continued provision of emergency medical care in the Wellington region.
