As the holiday season approaches, Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance (DSAA) has shared five great festive fundraising ideas which will help to raise funds, enabling them to be there for patients today, tomorrow and in the future.
The local life-saving charity is 95% funded by charitable giving and receives no direct funding from the Government or National Lottery. Every mission costs approximately £3,500 and with operational costs rising, public support is needed now, more than ever.
People can help this Christmas by:
1. Dedicating Christmas lights to DSAA
If you are one of those people whose turns their house or workplace into a dazzling winter wonderland with Christmas lights, why not make it even more special this year by dedicating your display to the work of DSAA? It is a brilliant way to join hands with your community and make a real difference during the festive period.
2. Hosting a Mince Pie Morning
‘Mince Pie Morning’ is all about bringing people together over a cup of tea or coffee and of course, mouthwatering mince pies … and do not forget the cream! Gather your friends, family and colleagues for a little get-together or invite your whole street and make it a bigger event!
3. Organising a festive fancy dress day
Organise a festive fancy dress day and embrace the Christmas spirit by dressing up in your jolliest most dazzling outfits in your workplace, at school or a community gathering.
4. Holding a Christmas fair
Turn your holiday celebrations into a meaningful event by holding a Christmas fair. It is a fantastic way to combine festivities and make a difference during the festive season.
5. Organising a festive bake sale
Bake an array of festive treats like cookies, cakes and pies and sell them to raise funds for DSAA.
Emma Jones, Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance Fundraising Manager, said: “Fundraising during the festive season can be so much fun! Whether you’re an individual, a school, a business or a group, there’s so many ways to get involved.
“We’ve highlighted just five of our favourites, however, no matter which idea you choose, remember that the festive holidays are a time of togetherness and giving. You could use this as an opportunity to bring your community together whilst raising funds for our very special charity which saves lives every day.
“Every penny raised will make a huge difference – £25 could help towards the cost of a vital pint of blood, £50 could help provide a blanket to provide warmth and comfort and £100 could contribute to an airway kit for managing unconscious patients with traumatic brain injuries. A huge thank you from us all.”
Anyone who feels inspired to get involved with some festive fundraising in support of DSAA can contact the charity’s fundraising team for more support on 01823 669604, by emailing fundraising@dsairambulance.org.uk or visiting the website www.dsairambulance.org.uk/festivefundraising.
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