Cumbria-based businesses Orian Solutions and Cumbria Waste Group, part of the Cumbria County Holdings Group, have announced the Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS) as their first chosen charity for 2020. The year-long partnership will see the sister companies working in collaboration to organise a range of activities and events, with all funds raised being pooled and donated to the GNAAS.
Representatives from both companies visited the charity’s air base in Langwathby last week to meet the paramedics and pilots responsible for carrying out our region’s intrepid rescue missions. They were also given further insight into the different ways that donations ensure the charity can operate and save as many lives as possible.
Thanks to the generosity of its supporters, in 2019 the organisation managed to provide vital services to 1680 call outs. Lee Salmon, GNAAS critical care paramedic, said: “It’s a tremendous privilege working for GNAAS and it’s great to have Cumbria Waste Group and Orian Solutions Ltd choose GNAAS as their Charity of the Year.
“We are completely reliant on public donations and last year we needed to raise £5.3 million to remain operational, so we are hugely grateful for their support. The money the company raise will help us to continue to deliver world-class pre-hospital care to the people of our region and we wish them all the best of luck with their fundraising.”
The selection of the charity came following a request for nominations from over 100 employees across Orian and CWG. The final decision was then put to a vote with GNAAS securing over 40% of the final majority, demonstrating how vital the charity’s work is already considered amongst the consolidated workforce.
Cumbria County Holdings Group CEO Ian Wood, commented: “It is clear from the results of our employee poll just how much the GNAAS is valued for the role it plays in the provision of critical care services throughout Cumbria. As a charitable organisation, relying entirely on donations to operate, I am both delighted and proud to offer the support of Cumbria Waste Group and Orian Solutions in contributing towards such an essential service.”
