Kingston Smith LLP has joined forces with 14 other Surrey-based businesses to support the Dunsfold-based Surrey Air Ambulance. The businesses have agreed to sponsor an Air Aid Ball in the hope of raising over £50,000 for the charity.
Surrey Air Ambulance, which provides a Helicopter Emergency Medical Service for the local community, does not receive any government or lottery funding, and relies entirely on public and business support to fund its annual £750,000 budget.
According to Keith Halstead, partner at Kingston Smith LLP in Redhill, Last year we joined other local businesses to sponsor the inaugural Air Aid Ball, which was a huge success. We raised £56,000 for Surrey Air Ambulance which was used to fund over 50 flights in response to 999 calls.
“This year, Kingston Smith is delighted to continue its support, working closely with other local businesses to help save lives in our area. Surrey Air Ambulance is an invaluable service for the whole community – for anyone who is walking, cycling or driving in a local area which is difficult for a traditional ambulance to access.”
Andrew Farrant, senior partner at White & Sons added, “Without the Surrey Air Ambulance, many people in our county would not be alive today. The Air Ambulance can reach any part of Surrey within 15 minutes flying time, transporting patients to nearby hospitals or treating them at the scene of an accident.
“I feel strongly that local firms have a moral obligation to put a percentage of their annual profits back into the community. As such, we are proud to support Surrey Air Ambulance as our single corporate charity and hope to match or exceed the amount raised during last year’s ball.”
According to Julie Jenkinson, Surrey Air Ambulance fundraiser, “We are very grateful to the local business community for offering their support again, particularly during such tough economic times. Despite our rising costs, the recession has already resulted in a downturn in renewals of our own lottery, which the general public contributes to. Support from the local business community, therefore, really does help us to continue the service, which, so far this year, has flown 492 missions and carried 217 patients.”
The sponsors include businesses from Dorking, Redhill and Reigate. In addition to Kingston Smith LLP, these are Callaghan Demolition, Castle Pub Restaurant, Chandler & Co. UK Ltd, Fairalls, Gaby Hardwick, Harwoods, Hystar Construction, London Helicopters, Montal Computer Services Ltd, Redhill Aerodrome Ltd, Sibelco UK Ltd, Stanton Construction Ltd, White & Sons and Vector Resourcing.
The second Air Aid Ball will take place on Saturday 20th June at Redhill Aerodrome. As 2009 marks the 70th anniversary of the beginning of WWII, the event will have a 1940’s theme.
For information about Surrey Air Ambulance sponsorship opportunities or the Air Aid Ball, contact Julie Jenkinson on 07843 336720. For further information about Surrey Air Ambulance, please visit www.surreyairambulance.co.uk.
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