Published: 19 February 2024

A Bangor company has presented the Wales Air Ambulance with a £2,000 donation after a successful period of fundraising.

Watkin Property Ventures (WPV) chose the lifesaving Charity as its Charity of the Year for 2022/23.

Through a series of events and challenges, the company raised a total of £1,000 for the cause, which was match-funded by the company’s Community Fund, taking the total to £2,000.

To fundraise, staff took part in various events throughout the year including sweepstakes, a Christmas jumper day, and other Christmas activities. All staff participated in a seven week step challenge, which saw them reaching 10 million steps over the set period.

Staff from Watkin Property Ventures were delighted to have presented the Charity with the funds during a cheque presentation at Caernarfon Airbase.

A spokesperson for Watkin Property Ventures’ Charity Committee said: “The total donation of £2,000 highlights WPVs’ commitment to making a positive impact in the community and to organisations which have a critical role in local emergency services.

“The fundraising initiative saw enthusiastic participation from employees, who took part in fundraisers and team-building activities throughout the year in support of the charity. The £2,000 donation will contribute directly to the Wales Air Ambulance's mission of providing lifesaving services and medical care in emergency situations. Watkin Property Ventures is grateful to all staff, partners, and supporters who contributed to our fundraising success.”

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 greatly improve survival and early recovery. 

It is delivered via a unique Third Sector and Public Sector partnership. The Emergency Medical Retrieval and Transfer Service (EMRTS) supplies highly skilled NHS consultants and critical care practitioners who work on board the Charity’s vehicles.  

Alwyn Jones, Wales Air Ambulance’s Community Fundraiser said: “Thank you very much to everyone at Watkin Property Ventures, who worked hard throughout the year to raise money for our cause. We’re delighted to hear that the £1,000 was match-funded by the company’s Community Fund. It is wonderful that Watkin Property Ventures picked our Charity to be its Charity of the year for 2022/23.

“Our lifesaving service needs to raise £11.2 million every year to keep our helicopters in the air and our rapid response vehicles on the road, this donation will help us to be there for the people of Wales when they need us most. Diolch yn fawr.”