Colleagues at Meridian in Wrexham have raised over £4,450 for Wales Air Ambulance, following a two-year partnership with the lifesaving charity.
The Wrexham-based team, part of SHS Group, selected Wales Air Ambulance as their site-nominated charity in 2023. Since then, employees have taken part in a wide range of fundraising events, from mountain climbs and bake sales to sweepstakes and volunteering initiatives.
Fundraising highlights from Meridian include a virtual cycling challenge against other SHS sites, as well as a recipe book, Halloween raffles and a popular monthly annual leave draw.
Colleagues also marked the charity’s 24th birthday with a coffee and cake event that saw bakers from across the site contribute.
Tolulope Olusi, Branded Senior NPD Technologist and Charity Committee Lead at Meridian, said:
“The level of engagement across the team has been outstanding, from climbing Snowdon and Scafell Pike to selling recipe books and hosting coffee mornings.
“It has been inspiring to meet the families and individuals who have directly benefited from Wales Air Ambulance’s incredible work. I am extremely proud of the team’s energy and spirit.
“Everyone contributed in their own way, and it has been a brilliant two years.”
The 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.
It is delivered via a unique third sector and public sector partnership. The Wales Air Ambulance Charity relies on public donations to raise the £11.2 million required every year to keep the helicopters in the air and rapid response vehicles on the road.
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.
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, regardless of where they are based, will travel the length and breadth of the country to deliver emergency lifesaving care
Kellie-Ann Hoey, Group Communications and Responsible Business Director at SHS Group, said:
“At SHS Group, we are committed to investing in the communities where we live and work and empowering our teams to make a real difference through our responsible business activities.
“The team at Meridian have gone above and beyond in their support of Wales Air Ambulance.
“Fundraising efforts like this not only strengthen our community partnerships but also help sustain the vital, lifesaving work that Wales Air Ambulance delivers across the country every day. We are incredibly proud of everything the team has achieved.”
While the formal partnership is now drawing to a close, colleagues are keen to maintain their support. A Wales Air Ambulance clothing bank will remain on-site, allowing colleagues to continue donating items for resale in charity shops.
Deb Sima, Regional Fundraising Manager for North East Wales, added: “The team at Meridian have shown incredible dedication and passion, and we are delighted that they plan to continue supporting us through their on-site clothing bank.
“Every pound raised truly makes a difference and helps us save lives.”
