Huhtamaki, a global specialist in sustainable packaging and locally based in Lurgan, Co. Armagh, has raised phenomenal funds for Air Ambulance NI. Partnering with the charity with the goal of raising critical funds to keep the service operational, staff from all departments came together over the past 18 months to organise and participate in a range of events, ultimately raising an impressive £29,992 for Air Ambulance NI.

From Ironman challenges and open-water swimming competitions to golf events, raffles, bake sales, Christmas Jumper Days and employee fun days, the Huhtamaki team united in support of two local causes: Air Ambulance NI and Alzheimer’s Society, raising tremendous funds for both.

Air Ambulance NI was delighted to welcome Richard Smith, Phil Headley, and Paul Ginesi from Huhtamaki to their airbase in Lisburn to present the funds. During their visit, Richard, Phil, and Paul had the opportunity to see firsthand the impact of their generous donation. They toured the helicopter and heard from Air Ambulance Engineer John about the speed at which the helicopter can reach patients in critical need. The Huhtamaki team was keen to emphasise that this incredible fundraising success was a collective effort across the entire company, and that without their teamwork and support, such a significant contribution would not have been possible.

Amy Henshaw, Area Fundraising Manager for the charity, commented on the impact of this significant contribution: “We are blown away by the support from the staff at Huhtamaki. The team has gone above and beyond in their fundraising efforts, even hosting one of our recycling banks at their base in Lurgan for staff to donate clothes, shoes, and sheets. These remarkable funds will cover over four full days of our life-saving service, potentially helping eight patients in need of critical care at the scene. We are incredibly grateful for what has been an exceptionally successful partnership.”

The charity Air Ambulance Northern Ireland, in partnership with the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service, provides the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service for Northern Ireland.  The service brings urgent medical assistance to anywhere in the province, operating seven days a week for 12 hours per day. The HEMS team attend patients who are seriously ill or injured, bringing emergency pre-hospital care direct to the casualty with the aim of saving lives, brains and limbs.  The aircraft can reach anywhere in Northern Ireland in approximately twenty-five minutes. 

On average the medical team are called upon twice every day, whether that is as a result of a serious road traffic collision, farm or workplace accident, sport and leisure incident or a serious medical emergency. 

As a local charity, Air Ambulance NI needs to raise £2.5 million annually to maintain this service, and charity partnerships are crucial in sustaining operations. For more information on how your business can get involved with fundraising and raising awareness, please contact the charity at info@airambulanceni.org or call 028 9262 2677.

Pictured L-R: Phil Headley, Richard Smith, Paul Ginesi and Air Ambulance NI engineer John Calvin.