New Zealand Humanitarian organisation, Kiwi K.A.R.E (Kiwi Aid & Refugee Evacuation), is sending another 10 decommissioned Hato Hone St John Ambulances to Ukraine in late January. 

This latest shipment will bring the total number of ambulances delivered for service in Ukraine to 35, alongside five additional support vehicles, including a truck, deployed to the war-torn country. 

Kiwi K.A.R.E Chairman and Founder, Tenby Powell, said the ambulances will enhance emergency response capabilities, saving lives in Red Zone areas.

“Hato Hone St John has been an extraordinary partner and we are grateful to them, and our other international partners, for their continued support," Powell said.

“We are proud to continue our support of Kiwi K.A.R.E by donating a further 10 end-of-life, decommissioned, vehicles to aid their critical humanitarian and medical work," said Hato Hone St John Chief Executive, Peter Bradley,

"These vehicles, which have served New Zealand communities, will now continue making a difference by supporting lifesaving efforts abroad.”

The Kiwi K.A.R.E ‘Ambulances for Ukraine’ is one of three core work streams that support the country's healthcare system, which has been severely strained due to constant attacks on hospital and medical infrastructure.

Kiwi K.A.R.E’s ‘Road-of-Life programme’, currently utilises five ambulances, essentially running their own bourgeoning ambulance fleet in Ukraine’s east and south, the two areas most affected by the full-scale war. 

“While the majority of the ambulances we deliver to Ukraine are donated to frontline medical units, we may keep two of the latest vehicles to augment Road-of-Life given the high demand for health services and evacuations, “said Powell. “It will increase our evacuation and hospital transportation capability significantly.”

Kiwi K.A.R.E has also completed over 300 humanitarian and medical missions, evacuated over 450 people, and fabricated over 3200 stoves and water boilers, under their ‘Heat-for-Healing’ project, distributing them to families living in Red Zones.

“Heat-for-Healing is essentially a recycling project”, said Powell. “The units are all produced from recycled electrical water cylinders gathered from all over Ukraine and are often described as lifesaving by the families who receive them.

"Each unit has a small plaque attached saying With Love From New Zealand to ensure those in beleaguered areas know they are supported from afar."

The latest shipment of ambulances is expected to leave Ports of Auckland in late January and will be operational in Ukraine by late April. 

“Kiwi K.A.R.E’s positive impact in Ukraine is testament to the power of local and international cooperation in addressing humanitarian needs and fostering hope during the most difficult of times”, said Powell.  

“With continued support from the people of New Zealand and our international partners, we can continue to help the people of Ukraine.”

To donate - please go to the Kiwi K.A.R.E GiveaLittle page or donate via their website www.kiwikareukraine.co.nz