Freemasons thanked for air ambulance support
April 7, 2017
How far would you go for charity? Malta?
April 28, 2017Heroes come in all sizes and students from a South Gloucestershire school proved this by raising thousands for their local air ambulance.
You may think that the heroes are the Critical Care Doctors and Critical Care Paramedics who work for Great Western Air Ambulance Charity. Well they are, but they couldn’t do it without the everyday heroes who raise money to keep the service going.
Two students from Elm Park School, in Winterbourne, wanted to raise money for GWAAC in memory of their dad. William and George Lightfoot organised a green and blue day of fundraising, making the amazing total of £4,000.
The day began with an assembly, where the star of the show was Charlie, the Critical Care Bear. It then included competitions including ‘guess the number of balloons in the car’, and a cake sale. Deputy head teacher Carol-Marie Bond said:
“The children were so very enthused by it and have spent many hours making information leaflets, persuasive letters and adverts using the facts. I am still shocked by just how much money we have raised and feel so very proud of our wonderful community.”
Students were also taught vital first aid skills, including how to put someone in the recovery position. GWAAC Community Fundraising Coordinator Nicole Beebee said:
“I was amazed by the way that the students (and their teachers) threw themselves into fundraising for us. The amount they have raised is fantastic, and will help our crew to continue their life-saving work. It is so important that people support us, as we receive no day to day funding from the Government or National Lottery. Holding a green and blue day at school is such a simple but effective way of supporting us. I hope other schools in our area will be inspired to get involved!”
Great Western Air Ambulance Charity is the local air ambulance for Bristol, South Gloucestershire, North Somerset, Bath and North East Somerset, Gloucestershire and parts of Wiltshire, and needs £2.6 million a year to stay operational.
