A fundraising campaign by staff at Somerset Passenger Solutions (SPS) in Bridgwater has resulted in them raising over £1,200 for Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance (DSAA).
Staff raised funds by a variety of inhouse fundraisers including a golf day and day trips to Weymouth and the Bath and Cardiff Christmas Markets. As a specialist transport provider, SPS provided coaches and fuel for the trips and tickets were sold to friends and family where 100% of the money raised was donated to the charity. During these trips, raffles were held and there were tins and buckets for donations.
Simon Cursio, Managing Director at SPS, said: “Much of the activities we do to raise money are also seen as an opportunity to socialise and come together as a team outside of work. The day trips are a great opportunity for our staff to have fun while raising money for a very worthy cause. The air ambulance needs to raise £5 million every year to continue its lifesaving service for the people of Dorset and Somerset. Donations, like ours, will help save more lives.”
SPS is a world class transport provider and provides the entire passenger transportation service for the Hinkley Point C Project serving the whole of Somerset. Formed in 2016, SPS has seen huge growth growing from 40 employees to almost 500.
Emma Jones, Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance Fundraising Manager, said: “The charity partnership between Somerset Passenger Solutions and DSAA started in February 2020 – just before we went into lockdown! Despite this, once restrictions were eased, they managed to raise an incredible £1,230.62 by organising staff coach trips and a raffle.
“Their logistical support was also invaluable when they offered DSAA the use of their park and ride site at Washford Cross to be used as the start area for our 2021 Coast to Coast Cycle Challenge. Instead of having to cancel our event, SPS enabled it to go ahead, and with support from all those who took part, the event raised a staggering £27,267.
“We are so delighted that they have now chosen to extend their charity partnership into 2023. With no direct funding from the Government or the National Lottery, we rely on partnerships like this to help us raise our operational costs of over £5 million a year. So, on behalf of the patients who need us, thank you so much!”
DSAA provides relief from sickness and injury for the people of Dorset and Somerset, by the provision of an air ambulance, with an air and road-delivered critical care capability. They receive no direct funding from the Government or the National Lottery and rely on the generosity of the public for support. Their operational costs are over £5 million a year and the approximate cost per mission is £3,000.
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