GWAAC Shops: At the Heart of Summer Community Spirit

Did you know that Great Western Air Ambulance Charity's (GWAAC) shops are more than just a place to pick up preloved treasures – they sit right in the heart of community events, fundraising efforts, and local celebrations. From festival fields to high streets, our retail and charity teams, volunteers, and supporters have been getting stuck in. They’ve also been raising awareness about our air ambulance and critical care service, and helping to train people in lifesaving CPR and defibrillation skills.

Here is a snapshot of just a few of the things we’ve been doing in the Summer of 2025:

Music, quizzes and community spirit

Next door to our Thornbury shop, Tesoro Lounge have been supporting GWAAC through their summer Lounge Aid events. Throughout June, they ran a packed programme of fundraising events including musical bingo, live music and themed quiz nights. With a target of £500, the team worked hard to support their local air ambulance, and our Thornbury shop proudly cheered them on.

Building confidence with lifesaving skills

On 31 May, the Thornbury Rotary Club hosted a fundraising fun fair in aid of our charity. GWAAC joined the festivities to offer free CPR and defibrillator training as part of our Great Western Hearts project, giving people the confidence to act in a medical emergency. Visitors of all ages tried on real flight suits and aircrew helmets, and entered a competition to win a behind the scenes tour of our airbase. It was a day filled with family fun and practical skills, all in support of lifesaving care.

Keynsham shop remembers Luke

Over seven years ago, Luke tragically lost his life after an accident at work. Earlier in June, the team at our Keynsham shop welcomed Luke Allen’s family and friends, who gathered on what would have been his 30th birthday to present a cheque to GWAAC.

Their fundraising total reached over £40,000, far exceeding their original £30,000 goal. From black tie balls and raffles to Facebook fundraisers and local events, every penny raised honoured Luke’s memory – a heartfelt tribute to his life and a powerful show of community support.

Sustainable style makes it to the catwalk

Sustainable fashion took centre stage when Keynsham Town Council brought back their popular ReLoved event, celebrating local traders and organisations committed to reuse and upcycling. Our Keynsham shop joined the lineup and even took to the catwalk to show off the hidden gems waiting to be discovered in our charity shop. It was a proud moment for our team and a great reminder that shopping second hand can be stylish, ethical and impactful.