Little ones come up with ‘smart’ idea to raise funds

Published: 05 December 2023

Little ones from a local Rainbows group once again came up with a smart idea to raise funds for the Wales Air Ambulance charity. 

The girls from 1st Trearddur Bay Rainbows, which covers the Trearddur Bay, Anglesey and Holyhead catchment area, joined forces to think of a fun and different way to help people in need. 

The Rainbows, aged four to six, wanted to raise much-needed funds for the Wales Air Ambulance which needs to raise £11.2 million every year to run the lifesaving service. 

Each child was given a tube of Smarties and tasked with asking friends and family if they would like to donate 20p to their fundraiser. Each 20p collected was put into the tube which totalled around £7 for each full Smarties container. 

The Rainbows, who are regular supporters of the Charity, were delighted to have raised a wonderful £162 for the Wales Air Ambulance and they presented the cheque to the Charity’s community fundraiser Alwyn Jones. The Rainbows enjoyed asking Alwyn lots of questions about the Welsh charity.  

The Smartie fundraiser was also part of the Rainbows ‘Helping hands’ badge. Alwyn was honoured to present each of the 16 girls with their well-deserved badge. 

Alwyn added: “Diolch yn fawr pawb. What a wonderful way to fundraise for the Charity and the little ones also got the reward of eating the chocolates too. It was lovely to meet the Rainbows and staff during the cheque presentation and they raised an incredible £162. Everyone who helped collect or donate a 20p to the fundraiser is helping keep our four helicopters in the air and our rapid response vehicles on the road, which is fantastic. They have all done their own bit to help continue to save lives across Wales. I really enjoyed my visit and answered some wonderful questions.” 

Wales Air Ambulance is consultant-led, taking hospital-standard treatments to the patient and, if required, transferring them directly to the most appropriate hospital for their illness or injury. For the patient, this can mean hours saved when compared to standard care and is proven to significantly improve the chances of survival and early recovery.  

This advanced critical care includes the ability to administer anaesthesia, deliver blood transfusions and conduct minor operations, all at the scene of an incident.  

As a pan-Wales service, its dedicated crews will travel the length and breadth of the country to deliver emergency lifesaving care. 

Debbie Carmichael, from 1st Trearddur Bay Rainbows, said: “It was a very successful fundraiser. Where we live the helicopter is very visible for them. They all know the red helicopter is the air ambulance. We are so lucky to have this service in Wales. A number of the girls’ fathers work in 999 occupations, so it resonates with them, and they understand what it means.  

“I am hoping that if you start them off young supporting the community it will last a lifetime. The girls all understood they were helping by collecting the 20ps and I’d recommend the smartie challenge. The Rainbows were thrilled that Alwyn came along and awarded them with their badge.”