Today, the North West Air Ambulance Charity (NWAA) is launching an appeal for generous volunteers to join its charity store teams across the North West. The charity is seeking enthusiastic individuals to donate their spare time at one of the thirteen NWAA stores across the region to support its lifesaving work in the North West.
The charity, which was founded in 1999, flies on vital missions across the North West, seven days a week, 365 days a year. With a team of paramedics, doctors, pilots, a fleet of rapid response vehicles, and three helicopters, it attends over 2,000 missions each year, delivering treatment to the scene and working with emergency service colleagues to deliver the best possible outcomes for critically ill and injured patients. Since January 2019, it has completed over 160 missions in Cumbria.
Locations at Blackburn-at-Home, Longridge, Kendal, Old Swan, Heswall and Hale are in urgent need of new volunteers. A new shop opening in Congleton this December will also be seeking friendly volunteers for in-store roles. Volunteering in store is a meaningful way to donate your time to an important local charity. It is a fulfilling and flexible way to give back to the community and meet like-minded individuals. The roles are varied, ranging from serving customers at the till and working on the shop floor, to sorting through donations and assisting in the creation of dazzling – sometimes award winning – storefront displays!
The North West Air Ambulance Charity’s head of retail, Paul Freethy, commented: “As our organisation grows, and our stores become important hubs in the community, we’re looking for people to join us on our mission to bring lifesaving pre-hospital care to patients. Our volunteer teams play an essential role at the charity, their dedication and enthusiasm help to keep our crews in the skies. It’s a fantastic role which received plenty of support from our volunteering and retail teams at the charity.”
Local volunteer Alison Park said: “I first took an interest in the charity after my husband was airlifted by the crew to hospital some time ago, and I’ve been volunteering at the Kendal store for about a year now. It all started when a friend of mine who volunteers at the store mentioned they needed some support as they were so busy, and I jumped at the chance to help out. Since then, I haven’t looked back. It’s been such good fun working with a lovely bunch of people here and I really look forward to spending my time there – I’d recommend volunteering with the charity to anyone.”
The North West Air Ambulance Charity operate a life-saving air ambulance service throughout the North West. Its charitable status means it does not receive government funding or National Lottery support. Instead, it relies on generous donations, supporters and an enthusiastic team of volunteers to raise vital funds to keep its crew in the air and its helicopters fuelled and fully equipped.
If you are interested in volunteering, please email [email protected] or call our volunteer support team on 0800 587 4570.
