St John first responder Yvonne Rosney (left) with St John
intensive care paramedic Dianne Payne, Wild Poppies Flowers
assistant manager Steph Yeo, Charmaine Rutherford, of ASB
Remarkables Park and St John ambulance officer Alex Taylor,
ahead of Valentine's Day deliveries across the Wakatipu
Basin yesterday afternoon. Photo by Tracey Roxburgh.
Hundreds of people in the Wakatipu proved romance was not
dead yesterday and by sending bouquets of flowers, chocolates,
cupcakes and wine to their loved ones through Wild Poppies
Flowers, helped raise money for St John.
For the 15th year, St John and ASB bank staff used three
ambulances to make deliveries across the Wakatipu Basin
yesterday, often to the surprise and delight of the
recipients.
People who ordered flowers from Wild Poppies Flowers could
pay an extra $10 for the flowers to be delivered by
ambulance.
Intensive care paramedic Dianne Payne said she had been
assisting with the annual deliveries for the past 10 years
and said yesterday afternoon was shaping up to be just as
busy as last year, which set a record for deliveries.
''Most people are surprised and happy ... I just wish there
were more girls out there [who would send flowers] to guys on
building sites.
''They're embarrassed, but I think it's fun.''
Wild Poppies Flowers manager Tanya Baker said although roses
were the most popular choice for floral deliveries, this
year, cupcakes, chocolates and wine were also in demand.
By 2pm, the florists had prepared ''well over 140'' bouquets
and anticipated exceeding 200 before the close of business
last night.
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