Public donations to St John Wakatipu were down by more than two-thirds on a year ago in the "Flash-a-Light for St John" appeal in Queenstown last week.
Area executive officer Lynn Cain said about $1000 was raised, compared with $3300 given in 2010.
Ambulance officers were not disheartened, as they knew the community was dealing with the recession and had already given to Christchurch and Japanese earthquake appeals this year, she said. The week was also about raising awareness of the emergency service.
ASB staff supported Flash-a-Light with collection buckets at the ready outside New World Wakatipu and the temporary Queenstown Winter Festival Wonderland Ice Rink.
The $1000 raised went towards 15 new uniforms for teenaged St John Youth members, who had outgrown their old uniforms. The new kit arrived in time for St John Wakatipu to compete in the Coastal Southland District Youth competition in Gore on Sunday.
The two teams from the Wakatipu came first and second out of half a dozen teams in the 13 to 15 age category. Rounds involved drill, healthcare, first aid and communications, in teams and pairs.
