The Business Exchange Swindon & Wiltshire Edition 47: Feb/March 2020 | Page 36

POSITIVE BUSINESS IN THE BUSINESSES OF SAVING OUR LIVES This year is a particularly special one for Wiltshire Air Ambulance as it celebrates 30 years of operation. The charity relies on donations from the community, including businesses, to provide its lifesaving service in Wiltshire and surrounding counties. Over the years, corporate donations, gifts in kind and fundraising in the workplace have helped keep Wiltshire Air Ambulance’s helicopter flying and its specialist paramedics providing critical care to seriously injured or unwell people. To raise awareness of its vital service and that it has saved a generation of people over the last 30 years, the charity is featuring videos of patients whose lives have been saved on its social media channels and website along with an opportunity to make a donation to enable it to save the next generation of people. During its anniversary year Wiltshire Air Ambulance also has a variety of fundraising events that businesses can get involved in. These include a wing walk on Wednesday 8th July, where you can experience the thrill of flying on the wings of a Boeing Stearman biplane. Businesses can also support Wiltshire Air Ambulance by raising funds for it throughout 2020 by organising their own events and challenges, such as bake sales and raffles. There is also a fantastic challenge backed by Wiltshire Air Ambulance Ambassador Paul Martin, host of BBC’s Flog It! TV programme. Called The Sky’s The Limit, businesses who take part are given £50 and are tasked with making as much money as possible for the charity. The Sky’s The Limit is sponsored by Chippenham Motor Company. It costs £3.75 million a year to operate Wiltshire Air Ambulance. It is not funded directly by the Government and receives no National Lottery grants. David Philpott, Chief Executive of Wiltshire Air Ambulance, said, “The support of businesses and the community is vital to our charity and as well as assisting our mission of saving lives, a partnership with us enables businesses to fulfil their corporate social responsibility objectives, boost staff morale and raise their profile.” For more information about supporting Wiltshire Air Ambulance email corporate@ wiltshireairambulance.co.uk or call 01225 300536. @WiltsAirAmbu LEARN TO SKYDIVE TANDEM, ACCELERATED FREE FALL & FIRST JUMP COURSES SKYDIVE NETHERAVON is the home of the Army Parachute Association and the Red Devils with some of the best Military Instructors in the country. Forces Discount on Tandem; First Jump and Accelerated Free Fall Courses on request ONE DAY, ONE JUMP, ONE AMAZING ADVENTURE T: 01980 670734 W: www.netheravon.com E: [email protected] Airfield Camp, Netheravon, Wiltshire, SP4 9SF 36 www.tbeswindonandwilts.co.uk For more info: www.wiltshireairambulance.co.uk