Rutherford House donate $9,000 to Hato Hone St John

Stephen Robinson, a long-time representative of the charity, attended the event to accept the cheque and share his experience in the field.

Each year, the students and staff of Macleans College’s whānau houses support a chosen charity through various fundraising initiatives. For Rutherford House, that charity is Hato Hone St John - a trusted organisation providing ambulance services, first aid training, community programmes and volunteer opportunities across New Zealand.

During the assembly, Stephen spoke about his years of service and offered insight into the vital work the charity undertakes for communities nationwide. His stories were both informative and inspiring, encouraging students to consider careers in emergency response and healthcare.

This year’s donation was more than double the amount raised in 2024. It was the result of an outstanding collective by Rutherford House, who organised a range of fundraisers, from large-scale events such as the Valentine’s Roses and the Atomic Kiwi Carnival, to creative weekly initiatives including Toodle-Noodle-Tuesday (noodles), Thirsty Thursday (soft drinks) and Frosty Friday (ice blocks). These activities not only raised funds but also fostered teamwork and leadership among students.