Over £222,000 has been raised for the Great North Air Ambulance in the last year by Cumbrian businesses
Thirteen firms in the county are the charity’s corporate partners, including AST, BAF Contracting, Patrick James Solutions, Eden Ground Works, Thomas Graham, Cumbria Chamber of Commerce, Porsche Centre South Lakes, Castles & Coasts, Sellafield, M&L Richardson, COMS, David Allen and Frank Bird Poultry.
To join the corporate partner scheme, organisations commit to raising a minimum of £5,000. In return, they gain benefits including first refusal on sponsorship opportunities, invitations to exclusive events, and access to GNAAS facilities, as well as the opportunity to have their logo featured on the charity’s aircraft or rapid response vehicles if they raise a certain amount.
The Great North Air Ambulance Service recently welcomed representatives from the partners to an event to thank existing supporters and introduce potential new partners to the life-saving work of the charity.
It featured talks from the service’s staff, as well as a moving account from a former patient. Guests also received a behind-the-scenes look at the charity’s facilities and aircraft, gaining insight into the scale and impact of its work across the North.
Corporate partners have taken on increasingly creative fundraising efforts in recent years, from running the length between both GNAAS’ bases on a treadmill to creating a timed burger eating challenge.
Joe Garcia, chief executive of the service, said: “It was great to welcome our corporate partners to our base in Langwathby and thank them for their continued support in helping to fund our vital service and keep our helicopters in the air.
“At the moment the service requires £9.3 million a year to remain operational and ensure our critical care team are able to help those in need across the region.
“This is why we’re incredibly grateful for the support we receive from businesses and individuals, and look forward to working with them for many years to come.”
