Mrs. Claire Carruthers1
1Wellington Free Ambulance, Wellington, Aotearoa / New Zealand
Biography:
Claire is a recognised leader in fundraising and communications. She won the FINZ 2022 Fundraising Leader of the Year Award and was named a Mover and Shaker in 2023. Under her leadership, Wellington Free Ambulance’s fundraising grew from $5.5 million in 2020 to $12 million in 2024.
Abstract:
This lightning talk with focus on the benefits to staff, team and organisational culture through community awareness raised by fundraising and communications. Increased visibillity of Wellington Free Ambulance's services and people has been instrumental in campaigns like Build Wairarapa Station.
In early 2023 Wellington Free Ambulance embarked on an ambitious mission – to raise $8.5million in just 18 months for a purpose-built ambulance station in the Wairarapa. Previously the fundraising programme in this area of our region had been captured in the wider regions fundraising work. However, with the size and significance of this project, a dedicated and targeted campaign to raise awareness and funds specifically of the work in the Wairarapa was planned and undertaken.
Through the integrated communications campaign that underpinned the fundraising work, it was essential to profile the people of Wellington Free Ambulance in the Wairarapa and tell stories about the hugely important role and impact of their service to the community. This resulted in increased awareness and understanding of ambulance services broadly and made all staff feel valued and seen as integral to the organisation and community.
The results – $8.5million secured for the build are a testament to the high regard in which the community holds the service and the people who provide clinical care 24/7, 365 days a year.
This lightning talk will showcase the benefits to any ambulance service from investing in story telling and ongoing communications and engagement with community through the power of fundraising.