The Grand Opera House has been supporting Air Ambulance Northern Ireland as the Theatre’s official charity partner since September 2021. This successful partnership has raised an impressive £24,600 for the registered charity, highlighting the incredible commitment of Grand Opera House audiences and staff.

This substantial sum was successfully raised through a range of fundraising events throughout the partnership, including collections at the Christmas Pantomimes, coffee mornings, craft fairs and staff participation in the Belfast Marathon, to name but a few.

Grace Williams, Area Fundraising Manager for AANI commented: “We are delighted and incredibly grateful for the generous contributions from the Grand Opera House! We are so appreciative of their wonderful support of the service. In total, the Grand Opera House has funded the service for nearly four days, potentially saving the livesof eight individuals across Northern Ireland.

As a local charity, Air Ambulance NI aspires to raise £2.5 million each year to maintain and sustain this service so public donations are crucial. The Grand Opera House’s commitment to our cause is truly commendable, and their contributions make a significant and lasting impact on the communities we serve. We have thoroughly enjoyed working with their team and wish them all the success with their new charity partner.’’

Ian Wilson, Chief Executive from the Grand Opera House said: “The Theatre is committed to making an impact on and off-stage and is proud to have partnered with Air Ambulance Northern Ireland who provide such an important lifesaving service. We are grateful for the commitment and kind donations we have received from the Theatre’s staff, performers and audiences, who have all played an important part in raising essential funds for this exceptional charity.”

The charity Air Ambulance NI (AANI), in partnership with the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service, provides the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) for Northern Ireland. The HEMS team attend patients who are seriously ill or injured, bringing emergency prehospital care direct to the casualty, operating seven days a week for 12 hours per day. It can get to anywhere in Northern Ireland in approximately twenty-five minutes with the aim of saving lives. Find out more by visiting www.airambulanceni.org alternatively you can contact the charity directly by emailing info@airambulanceni.org or calling 028 9262 2677.

Pictured (L-R) Creative Learning Manager for Grand Opera House Áine Dolan, Area Fundraising Manager at Air Ambulance NI Grace Williams, HR Manager for Grand Opera House Paula McAlpine and Chief Executive of the Grand Opera House Ian Wilson