Support for Air Ambulance NI has been given a lift thanks to a partnership with Co Armagh-established bathroom, tiling and heating merchant Bassetts, raising an outstanding £21,000 as their dedicated charity partner.
Staff from across Bassetts 16 branches worked towards bringing support to the charity through initiatives such as coffee mornings, payroll giving and several other planned fundraising events over two years.
Air Ambulance NI, a partner of the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS), exists to provide the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service for Northern Ireland.
Accidents and emergencies can occur anywhere and at any time, with statistics indicating that there is at least one desperate individual every day on average who requires Air Ambulance NI’s service.
Commenting on Bassetts’ charity partner, MD, Alan Wright said: “Air Ambulance NI provides an essential service that helps people right across Northern Ireland and has saved lives thanks to its highly responsive ability to access people in need quickly and efficiently.
“The team there do an amazing job, and fundraising is vital for the organisation to continue to deliver this much-
needed service. The charity committee at Bassetts worked hard to generate funds throughout a challenging year and created fantastic initiatives during the pandemic to achieve this total.”
Kerry Anderson, Head of Fundraising at Air Ambulance NI, said: “£2million is needed in fundraising every year to keep the Air Ambulance flying and the medical team treating trauma patients.
“This includes funds from community events, Club AANI members, gifts in wills and partnerships with local businesses. We rely heavily on the support from businesses like Bassetts, and we are thrilled with their final total. Every donation could save a life.”
