Ryman residents show their support for St John

When Diana Letica heard that Ryman Healthcare had chosen Hato Hone St John as its charity partner this year, she was excited to support the cause.

With numerous raffles and fundraising initiatives being put on in Ryman villages around the country throughout the year, the Miriam Corban Village resident was keen to do her bit.

“In December I did a big Christmas hamper which was raffled just before Christmas for $625.

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“I thought it was great that we were helping this charity with the important services they provide.”

But Diana’s support didn’t end there.

Living in Henderson, not far from Waitākere Hospital, she became aware of the vital work that St John does and was suddenly inspired.

“One day I just thought I would like to help and do something. I see ambulances so often, and they are so busy.

“I felt in my heart that I want to buy an ambulance and that way I can help people,” says Diana, who has also had personal experience of the service.

“I had to call an ambulance several times for my late husband, and they were very, very good.

“Some people leave the money in their will but this way I get to enjoy the gift of giving now.”

Above: Diana enjoyed being part of a special ceremony to bless the vehicle and below: Diana in her apartment at Miriam Corban Village with her keepsake mini-ambulance.

At a special event held in April, Diana got to see her new ambulance up close, even sitting in the driver’s seat, then going for a spin along the motorway with sirens and lights flashing.

Diana, who often plays her piano accordion for fellow residents in the village, chose a musical notes logo to go with the words ‘Caring, Comforting, Helping, Supporting’ and her name on the side of the vehicle so she will recognise it when it’s out on its travels.

The whole process had taken about six weeks from when she first contacted St John about the idea.

“It’s a patient transfer ambulance based at Pitt Street which transports patients to appointments, but it can also do emergencies like the other ones do.”

The gift of giving

Diana, who is a proud life member of the Dalmatian Cultural Society, posted a picture of her sitting in the driver’s seat to her friends on social media saying what she’d done and was soon flooded with responses.

“I had hundreds of replies from family in Croatia, France, Australia, so many beautiful comments. I was so overwhelmed I sat down and cried.”

Miriam Corban Village Manager Michelle Barnard says she was blown away by Diana’s incredible gesture: “To donate an ambulance is such an amazingly generous thing to do. We are all so proud of Diana!”

“We’re especially grateful to residents like Diana, whose generosity has been truly inspiring,” says Maggie Butler, National Manager, Partnerships & Activations at Hato Hone St John.

“Her gift, complete with a musical logo and her name, is a powerful symbol of compassion and community spirit.”

William Sanders Village residents Graham and Karrin Byrnes with Maggie the dog.

While many people are familiar with the ambulance service that St John provides, there are a number of other services they also offer, including First Aid training and kits, medical alarms and AEDs (defibrillators) plus a wide range of community programmes.

Karrin and Graham Byrnes, residents at Ryman’s William Sanders Village in Devonport, have been involved in the St John therapy pets programme since they moved into the village in 2021.

The couple takes their dog Maggie to visit residents in the village’s care centre three times a week.

Says Graham: “We find it very rewarding. It’s good for the residents and it’s good for us.”

The idea came to them after reading an article about the programme and they immediately thought Maggie, a nine-year-old poodle crossed with a King Charles Cavalier, would be perfect for it.

“Maggie has always loved people so we thought we should try this,” says Karrin.

They attended a training course and Maggie was assessed to check she was the right character.

Maggie has now been bringing happiness and comfort to residents needing hospital, rest home and dementia care for four years.

Once the couple put on their St John shirts, and Maggie is fitted with her special purple harness and St John necktie, she knows she’s off to work.

“When we visit residents in the hospital who are very unwell, she will jump up on the bed and lay down next to them. It just gets you right here,” says Graham, as he taps his chest.

“The hard thing is leaving because they often want her to stay.”

One of Maggie’s regular visits is to rest home resident Fleur Lindsay, who is a dog lover.

“I just enjoy the company, she’s friendly and takes notice of me and she just seems to know what we’re going to say,” says Fleur.

“She provides comfort and security. She’s lovely!”

Fellow resident Madeline Dennison, pictured above with Maggie, also feels emotionally buoyed by the pet therapy visits, having been widowed in recent years.

“It’s something you can love, and dogs will love you back,” she says. “It’s a comfort.”

Madeline adds that she loves the connection she feels by looking into Maggie’s soulful eyes. “And she looks back deeply into my eyes.”

Giving back

Retired insurance underwriter Graham and former pharmacy manager Karrin believe volunteering in the community is vital work.

“I volunteered as a teacher aide for seven years. It’s good to give back,” Karrin says.

Adds Graham: “It’s doing something for other people rather than just thinking me, me, me. And to me, that’s really important.”

Maggie doesn’t just bring joy to residents in the care centre either. She has also helped Graham and Karrin settle into village life too.

Says Karrin: “Graham likes to come and sit here in the lounge with Maggie. She’s a real focal point and people often stop and have a little chat.”

“The people in here are very interesting to talk to, they’re bloody nice!” adds Graham.

William Sanders Village Manager Fiona Colbert says Maggie’s visits enrich the lives of residents in the care centre.

“We are so grateful to Graham and Karrin for sharing beautiful Maggie the dog with our residents.

“Therapy pets are known to reduce stress, bring comfort and put a smile on people’s faces, and I have seen for myself the joy that Maggie brings when she visits.”

St John’s Maggie says the organisation is ‘deeply thankful’ to the Byrnes for their volunteering efforts.

“Their regular visits to the care centre bring comfort, joy, and companionship to residents, and Maggie’s gentle presence has made a lasting impact.”

'It's about connection'

With Hato Hone St John being Ryman’s charity partner for 2024-2025, it means the organisation will benefit from hundreds of fundraising initiatives held in Ryman villages, sites and offices throughout the 12 months.

Maggie says the whole experience has been ‘incredibly rewarding’.

“So far this year we’ve had the privilege of visiting 23 out of 40 villages – several of them more than once – and every visit has been met with warmth, enthusiasm, and a genuine sense of community and truly amazing support for Hato Hone St John,” she says.

Where possible, they have supported fundraising efforts by providing prizes for anything from Happy Hour raffles, to movie night fundraisers, or craft sales.

“We’ve loved getting involved in village life. We’ve also had the chance to share what we do through ‘What We Do’ presentations, Save Your Teddy sessions, St John in Schools sessions for the grandkids, and we’re excited to roll out 3 Steps for Life workshops later this year,” Maggie says.

At the end of the 12 months, the total raised is then matched dollar for dollar by Ryman so that St John will receive double that amount.

Maggie says the results have been amazing: “For example, Grace Joel Village has already surpassed their $4,000 fundraising target, which is a huge testament to the generosity and spirit of residents!”

The partnership has been more than just fundraising, Maggie says.

“It’s about connection. We’ve had so many meaningful conversations, shared laughs, and built relationships that go beyond the events themselves.

“We are beyond grateful to have been chosen as the Ryman charity partner this year.”