North East businesses celebrated after raising more than £270,000 for the Great North Air Ambulance Service
- kelseygarbutt
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
The Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS) recently welcomed a number of North East businesses to a special appreciation event, held to thank existing supporters and introduce potential new partners to the life-saving work of the charity.
A remarkable total of more than £270,000 has been raised in the last year by GNAAS’ corporate supporters in the North East, with 16 businesses currently involved in the service’s corporate partner scheme.
Among those in attendance were HMH Civils, Woodlands Hospital, Surge Marketing, GMI Construction, Universal Tankers, BTS Fabrications, Husqvarna, Miller Homes Teesside, and Agnese France Physiotherapy who are all partners of the charity.
The event featured talks from GNAAS staff, as well as a moving account from former patient Dean Abbott, whose life was saved by the service more than a decade ago, after he was involved in a motorcycle collision. 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.
To join the corporate partner scheme, organisations commit to raising a minimum of £5,000. In return, they gain a range of 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.
Corporate partners have taken on increasingly creative fundraising efforts in recent years, from payroll giving schemes to the creation of branded merchandise such as calendars.
Joe Garcia, chief executive at GNAAS said: “It was great to welcome our corporate partners to our headquarters and thank them for their continued support in helping to fund our vital service and keep our helicopters in the air.
“At the moment GNAAS 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.”
Marcia Atkinson, Finance Director at BTS Fabrications said: “We’re proud to support GNAAS, which despite not receiving any government funding, provides such an important service and saves lives across our region.”
Gerard May, Group Managing Director at HMH Civils said: “Last year we raised £20,000 for GNAAS and we hope to raise the same amount this year.
“I know quite a lot of people who have been helped by the service, and I think it’s fair to say we would be in a worse place without it.”
