Air Ambulance Northern Ireland is thrilled to highlight the innovative fundraising efforts of Banbridge Lions Club, whose Jar Copper Coin Collection campaign has been gaining impressive momentum since it launched in February 2025. 

The initiative has seen over 300 jars, filled with copper coins, dropped off at the Air Ambulance NI office. The campaign was designed to encourage local people to fill used jars with spare change, with the funds going directly to support the charity’s life-saving Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS). 

Spearheaded by Caroline from Banbridge Lions Club, the campaign expanded its reach through local schools, who enthusiastically joined in the effort. Caroline’s outreach to educational institutions helped build community spirit and educate children on the importance of emergency medical care in Northern Ireland. 

“This quirky fundraising idea came to me when I saw two jars of coppers in my kitchen cupboard. I figured I wasn’t the only one with spare change lying around, so I contacted the five primary schools in Banbridge, offering one jar per class — but it took off! Some classes filled four or five jars.” 

Soon, sports teams, clubs, businesses, garages, restaurants, and friends joined in, donating their own jars. Banbridge Lions are thrilled by the community’s response — over £2,000 raised in coppers, plus £4,000 for AANI at the fantastic Family Fun Day on Saturday 31st May at Banbridge Hockey Club. In total, an incredible £6,000 has been raised to support Air Ambulance NI. 

Bebhionn Hardy, Community Fundraising Coordinator at Air Ambulance NI, praised the creativity and dedication behind the campaign: 

“This is such a fantastic and heartwarming way to raise vital funds. Our charity has to raise £3 million each year to keep the service operational. The team at Banbridge Lions Club, along with the pupils, teachers, and families who supported the campaign, have shown that every coin truly counts. We are so grateful for their energy, passion, and community spirit.” 

Air Ambulance NI works in partnership with the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service to provide the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS). The service operates 365 days a year, bringing emergency medical doctors and paramedics to trauma patients wherever they are. On average, the HEMS team is tasked twice a day, helping to save lives, brains, and limbs.

You can also support the charity by taking on one of two abseils, at the iconic Europa Hotel or the picturesque Roe Valley. Please visit our website for more information or to sign up  https://airambulanceni.org/upcoming-events/