It costs approximately $13 million to run WFA each year. Approximately 75% of the operational budget is met by Government agencies, including ACC and the Ministry of Health.

The balance, around $3 million, is raised from sponsorship, Local Authority grants, charitable trusts, bequests, donations, fundraising events, public appeals and the Service’s own resources.

In addition, WFA sells first aid training and first aid kits, and jointly owns Freedom Medical alarms with Healthcare of New Zealand Ltd, to generate income.

Each year Wellington Free Ambulance holds a postal appeal that is extremely well supported by the community. Indicating the high regard the public has for WFA and it’s services, our most recent general appeal raised over $400,000, which is greater than some national fundraising appeals. This equates to $1 for every adult and child in greater Wellington.

Without this community support, Wellington Free Ambulance would no longer be able to maintain its tradition of providing a ‘free to the patient’ service.