Alexandra Bowling Club president Bill Townsend hopes the club's new defibrillator will not have to be used - but at least it has one, just in case.
At a recent training day, about 35 members had an opportunity to learn how to use the equipment, after it was handed over to the club.
Mr Townsend said the idea of installing a defibrillator came about after a member donated $500 to the club.
The board decided the donation would go towards buying a defibrillator, costing about $4000, and
had to raise more money.
After members raised a further $1500, they were contacted by the Freemason's Charity, which offered to pay the balance.
Mr Townsend said the equipment was ''very'' important.
''The club is used for a lot of purposes, and of course the club [members] are really a high-risk age group, so it's great to have one on hand.''
There were about eight defibrillators in Alexandra, and the next closest was at the nearby swimming pool, he said.
''We are absolutely delighted. People are rapt.''
A member of Red Cross from Dunedin was at the club yesterday to provide training, which was also paid for by the Freemason's Charity.
The Red Cross would also be responsible for monitoring the defibrillator, which has batteries which should last about four years before needing replacement.
So far, the Freemason's Charity has provided funding for about 107 defibrillators throughout New Zealand.
