Much-needed supplies sourced

Back in October 2008 Senior Sergeant Dean Gifford hit the headlines for collecting an incredible three tonnes of goods for distribution in the Solomon Islands.

Recently when his mate Detective Dave Scarr, currently working as a Participating Police Force Advisor, asked if Dean could help again and find some much needed medical supplies, he didn’t hesitate.

Dave told Dean medical supplies and first aid were almost non-existent in the Solomons. He said he went to a job where a young boy had cut his leg quite badly, and there was not even so much as a band aid.

Dean canvassed several agencies for donations. Wellington Free Ambulance, a major producer of cleaning personal hygiene supplies, a major sports goods supplier, a well known chocolate manufacturer and Wellington Central police staff all came to the party.

In all a tonne of supplies including resuscitation masks, suture kits, gowns and scalpels were collected.

Staff at Wellington District Organised Crime Unit prepared and packed the goods, a local transport company donated the freight to Auckland and the New Zealand Air Force transported them to the Solomons.