Please support our traumatised emergency workers in NZ

$3,210 donated

Given by 21 generous donors in one year

To raise funds to support emergency and medical workers traumatised by the Christchurch mass shootings on 15 March 2019.

Canterbury

Dr Robin Youngson is an anaesthetic specialist and the co-founder of an international movement to bring more compassion and humanity to healthcare (Hearts in Healthcare). His work has taken him to more than fifteen countries and he has presented to staff at Canterbury DHB.

Robin was deeply moved watching a video (on NZ Herald) of a traumatised St John Ambulance Officer describing his experience, and breaking down on camera. Burnout is a huge issues for health professionals and emergency workers but the problem lies largely unaddressed and there are little in the way of resources or funding to support staff, who have undergone traumatic experiences.

We have a culture of heroism in medicine and among ambulance officers and paramedics and so people don't express their stress or vulnerability and don't reach out for help.

The Hearts in Healthcare appeal is mostly for donations of practical support including counselling or therapy (which can be offered online from anywhere in the world), other healing therapies, gifts of holiday accommodation or retreats, and other acts of kindness and support. Offers are flowing in. We need money to make this happen, for instance to pay for airfares so that a traumatised ambulance officer and his family can take up the offer of free holiday accommodation and therapy.

Hearts in Healthcare is working with St John to coordinate responses and to make sure that offers of help and funding are directed to the ambulance officers and paramedics most affected by this tragedy. We are also liaising with Canterbury DHB to support health workers involved in the emergency response.

The New Zealand Medical Association, the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists, and the International Charter for Compassion have all stepped up to share the campaign. The beneficiaries of this appeal will be the healthcare and emergency workers on the front line of the Christchurch response to the terror attacks. This includes the doctors, nurses, and radiologists who tended to the victims on arrival in ED.

Please give generously.

About us

Māia Health Foundation is a charitable organisation dedicated to enhancing healthcare services in the community. Since our establishment in 2015, we have achieved significant milestones and made substantial contributions to various healthcare initiatives.

We collaborate with healthcare providers, businesses, and individuals to raise funds and support projects that address critical healthcare needs. From upgrading mental health facilities for children and youth to funding specialised equipment, our focus is on making a tangible and lasting impact.

Join us in making a difference. Donate, partner, or volunteer with Māia Health Foundation today. Together, we can take the health system from #goodtogreat.

We’re working to raise funds for essential projects to help New Zealanders get the right care, at the right time and in the right place.

Use of funds

Funds raised will be for practical support, including counselling or therapy. Renowned therapists are offering programs to treat and relieve trauma and are willing to travel to Christchurch. Funds raised will coordinate and connect help for those in need.