In common with so many charities, Air Ambulance Kent Surrey Sussex (AAKSS) has been hit hard by the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic. The charity has launched a Coronavirus Emergency Appeal in a bid to raise funds to cover the additional costs of operating its emergency response service safely, in a pandemic situation.
It is the most important appeal that AAKSS has ever launched, and GEW has assisted in this crucial fundraising effort by contributing a £5000 donation to the cause.
David Welch, CEO at AAKSS, outlines the situation: “We are fully committed to working on the front line to support the NHS and our communities and to save many more lives. But as a charity, we are completely reliant on the generosity of our donors and supporters, at a time when fundraising is challenging indeed, with 89% of the £14million we need each year to run our service comprising funds raised or donated by the public we serve.”
“We face an anticipated shortfall of £2.9 million pounds, which is a projected loss of fundraising income due to the Coronavirus. This is all at a time when fundraising is very challenging indeed. Our collection pots alone normally bring in more than £200,000 for us a year, which is just one of the many ways we would usually be out in our communities fundraising.”
Kelly Heaton-Ralph, Head of Development at AAKSS, expressed her gratitude to GEW in a letter to the company directors, saying: “In these uncertain times we need your support more than ever as we face the biggest challenge in our 30-year history. We simply could not do it without you and are so grateful to have your support.”
“Your donation is a significant contribution to our appeal and will help provide vital Personal Protective Equipment for our medical team, as well as continuing our 24/7 service for the sickest and most critically injured patients across our regions.”
If you are able to support the appeal, please visit www.aakss.org.uk/appeal
Or to find out more about AAKSS generally, visit: www.aakss.org.uk