Air Ambulance NI is calling on local people in Downpatrick and the surrounding area to find out how they can play a vital role in supporting the charity by attending their Volunteer Information Evening.
The event will take place in Denvir’s Hotel, Downpatrick on Thursday the 6th August at 7.00pm. It is open to anyone interested in learning more about the wide range of volunteering opportunities available to help the charity raise vital funds and awareness. Whether you can spare a few hours a month, each year, or simply want to find out more before committing, everyone is welcome.
From supporting fundraising events and collections to becoming a Community Ambassador in your local area, volunteers are at the heart of everything the charity does.
One volunteer is Brian Osborne from Killylea who represents the charity at events, attends cheque presentations and delivers materials in the charity van. Brian said, “I was inspired to help out when the service supported my mum following an accident. Sadly, she passed away but I know everything was done that could have been. I know that by helping it could make a life saving difference to someone else.”
Nick Bunting Volunteer Coordinator at Air Ambulance NI, said:
“Our volunteers are the heartbeat of Air Ambulance NI. Every hour they give helps us raise the vital funds needed to keep this lifesaving service flying. Whether you’re looking to meet new people, develop new skills, give something back to your community or simply support a cause that makes a real difference, we’d love to meet you at our Volunteer Information Evening.”
“There is no minimum time commitment, and we have a variety of flexible roles to suit different interests and availability. Volunteering with Air Ambulance NI is an incredibly rewarding experience, and we hope many people from the Downpatrick area will come along to find out more. It is an exciting time to join the charity as we embark on bringing in a brand new aircraft to the service later this year.”
Attendees will have the opportunity to meet members of the Air Ambulance NI team, hear more about the charity’s lifesaving work, learn about the different volunteer roles available and ask any questions in a relaxed and informal setting.
Air Ambulance NI works in partnership with the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service and has responded to more than 5,731 emergency call-outs since the service launched in 2017. The very first patient was Conor McMullan, local to Castlewellan, who needed the service following a farm accident. The critical care team can reach anywhere in Northern Ireland in around 25 minutes, and this vital service requires £3 million in fundraising each year to sustain. The support of volunteers greatly assists the charity to raise these vital funds and responds to critically ill and injured patients when every second counts.
The Volunteer Information Evening is free to attend, but advance registration is encouraged. To reserve your place, please visit: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/air-ambulance-ni-volunteer-information-evening-tickets-1994814427652
