The charity Air Ambulance NI has received an extraordinary boost following the recent RedHouse Holstein Open Day & World Wide Sires progeny showcase, which saw more than 3,000 attendees. An impressive £86,000 was raised, funding the service for almost 11 days and potentially saving the lives of at least 20 individuals requiring air ambulance. The event, hosted at RedHouse Holsteins, brought together the agricultural community and local supporters for a day dedicated to fundraising, celebration, and innovation in livestock breeding.
Damien McAnespie, Fundraising Manager for Air Ambulance NI, expressed heartfelt gratitude for the overwhelming support: “I want to express my deep thanks to David, the Irwin family and everyone at RedHouse Holsteins for what they have done in support of the charity. David, Alan and the team at World Wide Sires put a huge amount of work and time into planning and promoting the event, managing raffle prizes and auction items and preparing the family farm for visitors. Their incredible donation has funded the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service for nearly eleven days, potentially saving the lives of at least 20 people in the region.
I also want to express my thanks to Benburb Presbyterian Church for providing refreshments to everyone on the day with donations to Air Ambulance, the team at Taaffe Auctions and MartEye for providing the online platform for the auction and our own charity volunteers for their amazing help on the day. We are indebted to the community for their support and we never take it for granted.”
The event’s success was further highlighted by Ervin McKinstry, General Manager of WWS UK, who commented: “The open day was a fantastic success, to have 3,000 people attend the event and give so generously, raising £86,000.00 to a fantastic charity was amazing.”
The funds raised will directly support the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service, enabling it to operate for nearly eleven days and potentially save the lives of twenty-two individuals in the region. This achievement underscores the vital importance of community engagement and industry partnership in sustaining emergency services.
The organisers and volunteers, including the Irwin family, the World Wide Sires team, Benburb Presbyterian Church, Taaffe Auctions, MartEye, and Air Ambulance NI volunteers, demonstrated extraordinary dedication, ensuring the day was memorable for all involved and impactful for those who rely on the charity’s services.
Air Ambulance NI extends sincere thanks to everyone who attended, donated, and contributed to the success of the RedHouse Holstein Open Day & World Wide Sires progeny showcase. The charity remains committed to providing critical care and response across Northern Ireland, supported by a community whose generosity continues to make a real difference.
