As the festive season approaches, Air Ambulance NI (AANI) is reaching out to the business community across Northern Ireland with a plea: to make saving lives a central part of their corporate Christmas giving.

While many people enjoy a well-deserved break, the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) will remain on call every day throughout December, prepared to respond to any critical incident.

The service, which is needed an average of twice a day, delivers advanced pre-hospital critical care to critically ill or injured patients across the province, with the team able to fly directly to the patient at speeds averaging 180mph. AANI relies entirely on public and corporate generosity to meet its significant daily fundraising need of £8,200. Kerry Anderson, Head of Fundraising at Air Ambulance NI, emphasised the critical nature of the service: “When the HEMS team flies, they bring advanced, emergency care that saves lives, brains, and limbs... But it’s not only the medical crew who save lives; it’s the people and businesses like you who support our service.”

AANI outlined four ways businesses can make a life-saving impact this December:

1. Festive Fundraiser: Host an activity like a Christmas Jumper Day or a Christmas Quiz, with AANI as the beneficiary.

2. Direct Donation: Make a direct Christmas donation via the website, cheque, or bank transfer, with an invitation to a cheque presentation to showcase the generosity.

3. Corporate Gifts and Cards: Purchase festive corporate gifts or Christmas cards from the AANI online shop, or send AANI e-cards through the "Don't Send Me A Card" platform and donate the money saved on postage.

4. Spread Awareness: Request and display AANI information pamphlets and posters in the workplace to educate staff about the charity's vital work.