Twelve ways to support Air Ambulance this Christmas

Twice a day the air ambulance is needed (on average) to help a critically ill or injured patient. During the month of December, when most of us will be enjoying Christmas festivities with family and loved ones, the helicopter emergency medical service is expected to be called out over 60 times.

When needed, the team fly at an average of 180mph, direct to the patient. The doctor and paramedic on board, bring emergency care to the scene of the incident, delivering interventions that can be life-saving.

With your continued support, it’s a service that is there, 365 days of the year, for every one of us.

It is not only the medical crew who save lives, but the people like you who support our service.

As we prepare for the 12 days of Christmas with family and friends, we hope you will be able to remember your Air Ambulance this festive season. Here are 12 ways you could support, we hope there is one to suit you:

Become a Member

Buy the perfect Christmas present for you or a loved one.  Become a member of Air Ambulance in our Club AANI. You can choose to give a small donation each month or gift an annual membership.  All members receive an invitation to our annual BBQ, a posted pack containing an exclusive gold pin badge, notebook and even a sticker for your car!  We will also email you with updates each month.

Host your own fundraiser

Have fun and raise funds this holiday season by hosting your very own fundraiser! Here are a few festive fundraising ideas to get you started:

• Light Up Your Home
• Organise a Sponsored Winter Walk
• Christmas Movie Night In
• Christmas Jumper Day 

Visit our Online Shop

Purchase Air Ambulance NI branded goodies as Christmas Gifts or stocking fillers on our online shop. Whether you’re looking for Christmas cards, 2025 calendar or a gift for your friends or loved ones, we have something for you!

Or click here to buy and send e-cards.

Register for One of Our Events 

Gift a Junior Membership

Junior Members can help the Air Ambulance NI team save even more lives! This membership is for our younger Air Ambulance NI supporters aged 0-18 years.

Junior Members receive a Welcome Pack featuring gifts that will allow them to showcase their support for their Air Ambulance with pride! They will also receive educational sheets and activities three times a year and get the opportunity to visit the helicopter at the Air Ambulance NI base at our Annual Member’s get-together.

Gift an annual membership for £50 or give a monthly donation of £5.

Leave a Gift in your Will

By leaving a gift in your Will to Air Ambulance Northern Ireland, you are giving our patients the very best chance of survival and recovery when the worst happens. 

A gift in your Will costs nothing in your lifetime but can give the gift of life to someone experiencing a sudden life-threatening illness or injury.  

Whether you want to update an existing Will, or you’re planning to write your first Will, leaving a gift to charity is simple and easy to do. An up-to-date Will ensures your wishes for your loved ones and any charities you support will be clearly understood and honoured. 

Volunteers help in all kinds of ways – from helping at supermarket bag packs and community events to managing collection boxes and representing the charity as ambassadors in the local community. 

In return they have fun, learn new skills, meet people and make new friends. They come from all walks of life – some are retired, others between jobs or gaining experience to broaden their skillset.  Others have personal experience of the service. 

We have a collection at Sprucefield Shopping Centre on 7 December, need support at Livingstone Tractor Run on 28th December and more!  Please get in touch if you can help.

There are three volunteer roles to choose from:

• Casual Fundraising Volunteer
• Collection Box Coordinator
• Community Ambassador

Recycle Your Clothing in One of Our Recycling Banks

Clear out your wardrobe before the New Year and support Air Ambulance through our clothing banks.

For every kilo weight of product, Air Ambulance will receive 40p; it could be a couple of thousand pounds in a year! 

As well as raising funds for our charity you will be diverting used clothes and textiles from landfill. Decaying textiles emit methane gas, which can be up to ten times more harmful than other greenhouse gases.   

Make a Christmas Donation

We’d be grounded without your support.
Why not make a donation this Christmas to help save lives and keep the Air Ambulance Service running by simply clicking here.

You never know when you, or a member of your family or someone you know could need the services of the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS).

Thanks to your help, Air Ambulance NI has ensured that many families have been spared from the worst kind of news about their loved ones and that recovery from serious injury has been faster and better for the casualties we help.

Ask for Donations in Lieu of Christmas, Birthday, Anniversary or Retirement Gifts!

As birthdays, anniversaries and retirements come around in your calendar, why not consider giving the gift of life whilst you celebrate? Instead of traditional gifts, donate to Air Ambulance Northern Ireland. Your contributions can make a vital difference, helping to save lives when it matters most. 

Wedding Favours

If you are getting married this Christmas or at any time of year, share the love on your wedding day and order you wedding favours from our shop. The Air Ambulance is there for you and your loved ones in a time of need, your meaningful support will help deliver emergency pre-hospital care directly to a patient when every second counts.

Download your fundraising pack here: