In May 2024, it was announced that the Rapid Relief Team (RRT) committed to donating $1.5million to the Taranaki Health Foundation to provide enhancements to the new Intensive Care Unit (ICU) being built at Taranaki Base Hospital. This donation will mean we can provide improvements to the Rapid relief Team ICU that will improve the well-being and comfort of our most critically ill patients, their support network and the staff that are caring for them. But who are the Rapid Relief Team and why are they supporting this facility?
Global network local support
The Rapid Relief Team is a global charity that provides compassionate support to people and communities impacted by natural and humanitarian crises. RRT also supports government, aid agencies and other charities with donated products and catering. The organisation is supported by businesses and individuals who are dedicated to their local communities, and we are lucky that in Taranaki there is a large contingent of these generous people.
The $1.5 million has been donated through Rapid Relief Team by a group of 24 businesses and individuals, ranging from a few hundred dollars up to $250,000. Each donor has chosen to be involved for their own individual reasons, but all have donated because they believe in supporting the local community and making a difference. In this series or articles, we want to highlight some of the generous people who have contributed to this fund.
“It’s important that the Taranaki community have access to the help they need in times of emergency, locally, and quickly. We’ve had family and friends who’ve used this facility in the past, and there would be thousands of locals who have experienced the service and kindness of the ICU ward and their team here.” Says Cameron Prestidge, Chairman of RRT. Cameron is also General Manager of Egmont Air, who will contribute at least $75,000 to the fund.
Supporting a great cause
The Rapid Relief Team ICU will be part of the New East Wing Building at Taranaki Base Hospital. The 18-bed unit will have individual rooms for patients, improving on comfort for both patient and carers, whilst also providing a more confidential space to talk with doctors.
Everyone who supports the Taranaki Health Foundation can be confident that they are supporting an organisation that cares deeply about Taranaki. The Taranaki Health Foundation believes Taranaki deserves the best – and that can only happen because of the generosity of organisations like RRT.
No matter who you are, healthcare will impact you or your family at some point in your life. And healthcare is an area that can never have too much investment. We are incredibly thankful to RRT for this generous investment in the region and would encourage everyone that can afford it to donate what they can. 100% of money donated to Taranaki Health Foundation is used to provide enhancements in Taranaki. Click here to donate today.