GRATEFUL staff at a Rugby charity shop are celebrating 12 years of funding lifesaving missions.
The Air Ambulance store in High Street became the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance’s (WNAA) first ever shop when it opened its doors in 2010.
It has since raised over £1,164,000 for the charity, funding more than 680 lifesaving missions throughout Warwickshire, Northamptonshire and further afield.
Thanks to its loyal supporters, the success of the flagship store allowed the charity to add a further 59 stores to its portfolio – which have helped generate more vital income for the life-saving service.
The store has received over 36,900 bags of donated goods in its time – but continues to require support from the community with further donations of new and preloved items.
Funding from the store provides an invaluable source of income for WNAA, keeping Air Ambulance crews on the frontline 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to deliver pre-hospital critical care to those who need it most.
Store Manager Denise Bates said: “The support we have been given by the Rugby community over the past 12 years has been amazing and this has played a vital role in helping to save lives.”
“From all the team here, we would like to say a massive thank you to everyone who continues to shop with us and donate to us time after time – without this support we wouldn’t be able to provide our lifesaving service. We receive no government funding so rely on your support to keep our service operational.”
The service’s crews can be on the ground within minutes helping to deliver lifesaving care, and giving patients the best chance of survival – so support from its local supporters has been and continues to be greatly appreciated by the charity.
“Visit our Rugby charity store and see what early Christmas bargains you can pick up in our array of quality items,” Denise added.
The charity is celebrating its 20th anniversary of lifesaving service across Warwickshire and Northamptonshire in 2023.
To help mark the milestone, the charity is asking for supporters to send in photos, footage, clippings, or share their stories to help showcase how the service has developed over the years into the leading provider of pre-hospital critical care it is today.
Visit www.theairambulanceservice.org.uk or call 0300 3047 999 to get involved.
