Great North Air Ambulance Service launches festive fundraiser (From The Westmorland Gazette)

Great North Air Ambulance Service launches festive fundraiser

3:22pm Wednesday 30th November 2011 in Allerdale news

RESIDENTS of the region are being asked to help save 12 lives over 12 days in the run up to Christmas.

The Great North Air Ambulance Service’s annual festive fundraising drive is aiming to raise £30,000 – enough to pay for 12 missions.

The charity, which operates three air ambulance helicopters across the North East, North Yorkshire, and Cumbria, has enlisted the help of twelve supporters who have each been airlifted in the past to promote ways in which people can help the charity reach its goal.

Mandy Drake, head of fundraising at GNAAS, said: “Our supporters throughout the region have enabled us to develop a ground-breaking air ambulance service, but because we are entirely charitably funded, we need to maintain that support going into 2012.

“Every time one of our helicopters responds to an emergency call, it is beginning a potentially life-saving journey.

“We work 365 days a year so our helicopters will be on hand throughout the festive period, although of course we hope they are not called upon.”

The GNAAS fundraising team is on hand to advise residents on how they can help reach the £30,000 total.

Schools, businesses and community groups are being encouraged to help by holding fundraising events such as cakes sales, dress-down days, carol singing, raffles and mince pie eating competitions.

Dozens have already signed up ahead of the campaign beginning on December 1.

Mrs Drake said that one suggestion proving to be popular among workplaces this year is giving a donation to the charity instead of Christmas cards.

Mrs Drake added: “People constantly surprise us with their ideas for ways to help the charity.”

For more information on how you can help GNAAS, please call the fundraising team on 01325-487263 or email info@greatnorthairambulance.co.uk