The Rotary Club of Apia has kicked off its 50th year Anniversary celebration in Samoa by presenting a fully functional Mercedes Benz Ambulance to the Ministry of Health (M.O.H.).

The ambulance was officially received and accepted by the M.O.H. Assistant Chief Executive Officer, Gaualofa Matalavea-Saaga, on behalf of the Health Ministry, on Friday, a statement from Rotary said.

The event was attended by the management and staff of M.O.H. and R.C.A. members at the M.O.H. offices at Motootua. 

The project was the brainchild of Rotary Past District Governor (P.D.G.), Stuart Batty, who is also the Executive Director for Rotary New Zealand World Community Services (R.N.Z.W.C.S.).

Mr. Batty has been an avid and long-time supporter of the Pacific, especially Samoa.  

R.C.A. has purposely increased its efforts in supporting Samoa’s health sector through its Community Health mandate. 

Thus, when Mr. Batty broached the possibility of bringing across an ambulance to Samoa with Rotary-Assistant District Governor (A.D.G.) and R.C.A. member Louise Main, the Club responded with an emphatic ‘Yes Please!’ - and so commenced the project with the refurbishment and fit out of the vehicle. 

The fully kitted and functional ambulance was generously donated by; The Rotary Club Port Nicholson, Wellington; R.N.Z.W.C.S.

With support from: Wellington Free Ambulance; Jenner’s Worldwide Freight LTD; Pacific Direct Line; Wayne Grayson & Associates Insurance Brokers.

The project would not have been possible without the support and partnership of the Health Chief Executive Officer, Leausa Dr. Take Naseri; A.C.E.O. Gaualofa; the M.O.H. team; the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade; and National Emergency Operations Centre. 

The R.C.A. Club President, Joanne Rasmussen, acknowledged the support from their Rotary friends at the R.C. Port Nicholson, Wellington and to all their members. 

“Their generosity in initiating this wonderful donation will be absolutely beneficial to the people and communities of Samoa. 

“It could not have come at a better time, especially to assist our Government and our Health Services in its COVID-19 response and preparations.” 

R.C.A. is also proud to be working closely with Dr. Glen Fatupaito and Registered Nurse Natasha Mamea in making ready the hospital’s Isolation Ward with the procurement of various medical equipment and supplies. 

R.C.A.’s various projects and initiatives are to assist and support the betterment of Samoa’s community and people.