About Us

Each year, Wellington Free Ambulance responds to thousands of people who need emergency medical treatment in what can be their most vulnerable and stressful moments.  

One family who knows how challenging these moments can be is the Lala family.

The Lala siblings - Ray, Depik, Kiran, Vinu and Bhevna - have witnessed the compassion and care of the Wellington Free Ambulance team in two life-altering moments involving both of their beloved parents.

Once, 17 years ago, when their dad passed away, and earlier this year, when their mother, Gajraben, died in the safety and comfort of her son’s home with family by her side.

“In 2007, our dad passed away. We called Wellington Free Ambulance, and they were quick to attend. The service we got from them was marvellous, just excellent,” the family explains.

“Mum was 91 when she passed away in March this year. For the last six years, Vinu, the youngest of the brothers, his wife Kalavati and his son Nilish looked after her at their home, and they did a good job.”

The final goodbye

On the evening of 10 March, Vinu rang all the family to say their mother Gajraben wasn’t herself. Little did he know that night was the end, and the Lala family would offer their final goodbyes.

Wellington Free Ambulance was first on the scene. The kindness of Wellington Free Ambulance crews during these heartbreaking and difficult times has lingered in the Lala family's memories. 

The actions of our paramedics on those days and this inextricable connection to our cause inspired the Lala family to give to Wellington Free Ambulance in Gajraben’s memory.

Nothing can prepare you for the feeling of loss and grief when a loved one dies.

But the Lala Family found solace in knowing their parent’s memories would continue, helping others.

“We all agreed to support Wellington Free Ambulance.”

“Before Dad passed away, he had a bypass done and asked for his funeral donations to go to the Heart Foundation – so that’s what we did for Dad. Wellington Free Ambulance were really good at coming along to Dad when we needed them, so the family give an annual donation to Wellington Free Ambulance each year in his memory,” the Lala family says.

“They did this for Dad 17 years ago; they did this for Mum earlier this year. Even Vinu, when he was at home and feeling dizzy, they took him to the hospital as his heart was playing up. The service is next to none.”

A lasting legacy

Photo shows L-R: Ray, Wellington Free Ambulance General Manager - Operations Eric, Nanu and Vinu

In honour of her legacy, Gajraben’s loved ones rallied behind Wellington Free Ambulance’s work, raising over $3,500 to support our ambulance crews' commitment to the community.  They arranged to drop this donation in person. 

“When we went to Wellington Free Ambulance, they took us down to show us an ambulance. My uncle Nanu said, ‘You’re the only one who hasn’t been inside an ambulance, you have a look’. That was a good experience for me having not been in one before,” Ray recalls.

“We’re sharing our story so other people in the community may see what we’re doing and follow suit – that’s our biggest thing. Hopefully, what we’re doing will open the eyes of others, and they will go, ‘These guys are doing it, let’s go support them’.”

Everything Wellington Free Ambulance provides is free of charge thanks to the generosity of people across the community who donate.  People like the Lala Family.

Learn more about donating in memory with Wellington Free Ambulance or call our team on 0508 932 3733.