The Manitoba government is providing $1 million to St. John Ambulance to support the agency’s $8.5-million “Building on a Caring Tradition” capital campaign, Premier Heather Stefanson announced in a media release today.
“Our government is proud to support the incredible work of St. John Ambulance, a volunteer organization that provides life-saving first-aid training, and community programming and supports to improve the health and well-being of Manitobans and all Canadians,” said Stefanson. “I commend the organization on the success of its capital campaign and look forward to future enhancements that will benefit communities across our province.”
St. John Ambulance recently completed construction on a new 13,248-sq.-ft. office and training centre, which is now a hub for training and community services for thousands of students, volunteers and clients every year. The agency is currently raising $3.5 million for Phase 2 of the total $8.5-million project, which includes revitalizing the land at 1500 Portage Ave. to create green space, approximately 30 new parking spots, and signage. The organization expects to train upwards of 30,000 people this year and additional parking spaces are urgently needed, the premier noted.
“I want to thank the Manitoba government for its support towards our capital campaign, “Building on a Caring Tradition,” said Bob Cunningham, chair, St. John Ambulance Capital Campaign. “This gift is earmarked for expansion of the property, which is urgently needed. The Manitoba government’s contribution reflects the premier’s recognition of the value of St. John Ambulance and the work it does to support our health-care system, along with its huge impact to the therapy dog program and the organization’s 500 volunteers.”
St. John Ambulance is a national organization that provides training in first aid, CPR and AED life-saving skills to individuals, government, industry and businesses. Its volunteers provide over one million hours of community service per year in more than 300 communities across Canada.
