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Could you cope without your mobile phone for a whole day if it meant saving a life?

That’s the challenge being put to Victorians on 31st August 2010 by St John Ambulance.

‘Switch Off’ is asking Victorians to switch off their mobile phone for a day* to raise much needed funds and awareness for St John Ambulance Victoria volunteers.

St John needs funds to ensure that its volunteers have the vital lifesaving equipment they need to help Victorians when they need it most.

Giving up a mobile phone for a day won’t be easy, St John Ambulance Chief Executive Officer, Stephen Horton said.

“We’ve seen many reports of young people being addicted to their mobile phones and of course people rely on their mobiles to do business and organise their life,” he said.

“It’s not going to be easy but we’re asking Victorians to sacrifice their beloved mobile and make other arrangements for just one day to ensure we continue to have the best St John life saving services possible for all Victorians.”

Melbourne Football Club President Jim Stynes is among many Victorians pledging to switch off their mobile phones for the day.

“People went without mobiles in the old days, so I guess it can be done. But, I’m a bit nervous about how I’ll feel without my phone.” he said.

“It’s for a good cause so I’m going to make the sacrifice. If it helps to make sure St John volunteers are supported, then I’m happy to give it up for the day.”

St John volunteers have been providing first aid services to the community for more than 125 years and attend to over 13,000 casualties annually, giving over 250,000 hours of first aid to the public each year.

As one of the nation’s oldest and largest volunteer organisations, St John is a leading provider of first aid training, first aid services at public events and supplier of first aid kits and equipment. In times of crisis, St John volunteers are deployed to provide first aid during state emergencies and other disasters.

A CSA (Community Service Announcement) television ad featuring Jim Stynes has been produced and accepted by commercial television stations which will assist St John in reaching a broader audience. Special thanks to Heydon Films for their contribution in developing the CSA.

To support the St John ‘Switch Off’ campaign visit www.switchoffstjohn.com.au where you can register your own fundraising page, or make a secure, online donation.

For further information or to securely donate by telephone, contact the Fundraising Team at St John Ambulance Victoria on 8588 8888 or email fundraising@stjohnvic.com.au.

*8am-8pm