Banbridge Lions Club Supports Local Charity Air Ambulance Northern Ireland Through Copper Coin Collection.

Banbridge Lions Club is continuing its fantastic charity work in the local community, this time raising vital funds for the life-saving service, Air Ambulance Northern Ireland.

Air Ambulance NI recently had the pleasure of welcoming Banbridge Lions Club member, Caroline Kirkwood, to their airbase, along with pupils from Edenderry Primary School, to meet the medical team and launch the Lion’s Club latest fundraising initiative — ‘Copper Coin Collection.’

Pictured is Dr. Andrew Topping from Air Ambulance NI, alongside pupils from Edenderry Primary School in Banbridge, and HEMS Paramedic Matt Allen on a recent visit to the airbase in Lisburn.

This initiative invites people from Banbridge and surrounding areas to get involved by using any empty jar at home, filling it with spare copper change, and joining the Lions Club on Saturday 31st May at 1pm at Banbridge Hockey Club for a family fun day. Attendees will have the chance to empty their jars while enjoying a fun-filled afternoon with refreshments, music, and entertainment.

Banbridge Lions Club member, Caroline Kirkwood, shared her enthusiasm for the new fundraising venture:
“Everyone has old copper coins lying around the house or in the car. I thought it would be fantastic to get the local community involved in something simple and fun, while raising critical funds for such an important cause. We are delighted to see local schools such as Abercorn P.S, Edenderry P.S, Ballydown P.S & Bridge P.S in Banbridge already embracing the fundraiser by encouraging each class to fill a jar.”

“Absolutely anyone can take part — all it takes is an old jar and a quick search around the house! For those who would prefer a customised Air Ambulance NI jar, they are available for collection at Salt Kitchen, Blend & Batch, Fred Elliot’s Butchers, Captain Cooks, and Tesco Superstore on the Castlewellan Road.”

Pictured is Banbridge Lions Member Caroline Kirkwood with pupils from Abercorn Primary School who are delighted with their *‘Copper Coin Collection’* for Air Ambulance NI

Air Ambulance NI representative, Amy Henshaw, expressed her gratitude for the support:
“We are truly thankful to Banbridge Lions Club for their continued efforts. This is such a unique and accessible fundraiser that anyone can participate in, regardless of how much they collect.”

“As a charity, we need to raise £6,850 every day to reach, on average, two people who are in life-threatening situations. Our service brings hospital-level care directly to patients at the scene, anywhere in Northern Ireland. Every mission depends on public fundraising and support, which is why we are extremely grateful to Banbridge Lions Club and our generous communities for their unwavering commitment. If you can, we encourage you to get involved and start filling an old jar with copper coins — every penny counts in helping the next patient.”

For more information on how to get involved or if you would like to involve your business or school, please email Banbridge Lions Club at ckirkwoodres58@icloud.com.