The hard work of local volunteers manning Rugby’s Air Ambulance shop was praised by local MP Mark Pawsey who visited the shop as part of National Volunteers Week.
From trustees or campaigners to carers and fundraisers, volunteers make a huge and unique contribution to Rugby’s community, and Volunteers’ Week is the perfect opportunity to thank them. Almost 12 million people volunteer at least once a month in the UK. Fundraising and running events are the most popular volunteering activities with sports organisations, followed closely by hobby and social clubs, being the most popular places to volunteer.
The Warwickshire & Northamptonshire Air Ambulance shop in Rugby raises funds for the lifesaving work of the Air Ambulance, which is entirely funded by charitable donations. The shop is manned by volunteers who sort, price and sell the many donations the Air Ambulance receives as well as informing residents about the work of the Air Ambulance. Rugby’s store is particularly special for the Air Ambulance Service as it was the first of their shops to open – and its success helped to launch over 50 new shops since it opened.
Speaking after visiting the Air Ambulance’s Rugby store, Mark said:
“The work of the Air Ambulance is remarkable. They have recently celebrated their 15th anniversary and have flown over 38,000 missions since their formation, helping to save thousands of lives throughout Warwickshire and Rugby. It was good to meet with the volunteers who do such a great job running the Rugby store and thank them for all their hard work.”
Mark continued:
“I am proud that the Warwickshire & Northamptonshire Air Ambulance has made its home here in Rugby and I know that local residents are very supportive of their work. However, they would not be able to survive without the dedication of their volunteers. Volunteers’ Week gives charities’ and voluntary organisations, such as the Warwickshire & Northamptonshire Air Ambulance, the perfect opportunity to thank every one of the fantastic volunteers they work with. It is a chance to recognise that however volunteers give their time or skills, their contribution makes a huge difference to their community.”
Head of Volunteering at the Air Ambulance, Lucy Dinsdale, added:
“Volunteers’ Week has been an ideal opportunity for us to thank each and every one of our 1,000 volunteers for the work they do in helping to fund our life saving missions. It is truly humbling to see the tireless dedication of those who give their time and valuable skills to our charity. Putting it quite simply, helicopters in The Air Ambulance Service would not fly without the work of our volunteers”